The Stephen A. Smith Show: Detailed Episode Summary

Episode Title: Stephen A's Take: TNT Competition: Kenny Smith Shot Left-Handed. Worked for Stephen A.
Release Date: December 18, 2024
Host: Stephen A. Smith
Produced By: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves into a friendly yet intense free throw competition with former NBA player and TNT analyst Kenny Smith. The episode offers listeners an engaging blend of sports camaraderie, competitive spirit, and behind-the-scenes insights into the dynamics between prominent sports personalities. Through candid conversation and entertaining anecdotes, Stephen A. shares his experiences working with Kenny and the TNT crew, providing a glimpse into the world of sports media.

The Free Throw Challenge

Setting the Stage

The episode centers around a recent free throw shooting challenge between Stephen A. and Kenny Smith. The competition was sparked by a playful challenge Kenny extended to Stephen A., where Kenny agreed to shoot left-handed, adding an extra layer of difficulty to the contest.

Kenny Smith's Perspective

Kenny Smith recounts the challenge, revealing the lighthearted nature of the competition:

Kenny Smith [01:55]: "Saturday in Vegas responded to that free throw shooting challenge from my brother Kenny Smith at TNT. Kenny decided to shoot with his left hand and that essentially sealed his fate against moi as I won three to one. Listen, y'all, it's all in fun."

Kenny emphasizes that the challenge was meant to be enjoyable, aligning with the friendly rapport between him and Stephen A.:

Kenny Smith [01:55]: "It's a free throw shooting contest and stuff like that. You sure? You saw the bricks we were laying when we shoot from threes, right?"

Stephen A.'s Take

Stephen A. chimes in with his perspective on the competition, highlighting the pressure and the nature of the challenge:

Stephen A. Smith [01:02]: "The first round of five. How's he have our lead? He ain't make a shot yet. 4:10."

As the contest progresses, Stephen A. narrates his success in sinking three crucial free throws, ultimately securing a 3-1 victory over Kenny:

Stephen A. Smith [01:38]: "Get the money. Look at him concentrating. Three, one. That's it. It's it. Congratulations."

The Left-Handed Twist

A significant factor in the competition was Kenny's decision to shoot left-handed, which Stephen A. believes was instrumental in his own success:

Stephen A. Smith [01:55]: "Kenny shot left hand. Next time, he ain't gonna give me that kind of break. I know this, all right?"

Stephen A. reflects on Kenny's skills, acknowledging that under normal circumstances, with Kenny shooting right-handed, the outcome might have been different:

Stephen A. Smith [01:55]: "If he shot right handed, he probably would have smoked me. He's a career 83% shooter, all right?"

Behind the Scenes: Relationships and Media Dynamics

Appreciation for the TNT Crew

Throughout the episode, Stephen A. expresses his admiration and gratitude towards the TNT crew, especially as they transition to ESPN. He underscores the long-standing professional relationships and mutual respect among the team members:

Stephen A. Smith [03:15]: "I want to give props to the whole TNT crew. See, they come to ESPN next year. And I can't speak for everybody else, but I'm ecstatic that they're doing that."

He further elaborates on his two-decade-long relationship with ESPN and Disney, highlighting the collaborative environment and shared experiences:

Stephen A. Smith [03:35]: "I've been there for the last 20 years or so, okay? And I've had a phenomenal relationship with all of those guys, as I've said on many occasions."

Kenny Smith's Insights

Kenny Smith adds depth to the conversation by sharing the challenges they faced during the competition, particularly the unexpected environment of shooting outdoors:

Kenny Smith [01:55]: "Didn't know we were going to be outside. And then when we go outside, it looked like the Damn rim was 11ft instead of 10ft high."

He humorously relates the experience to baseball pitching, comparing the basketball hoop to a distant pitcher's mound:

Kenny Smith [01:55]: "It reminded me of when I went on the first on the mound for the Yankee Stadium for the first pitch. I mean, look like a damn mile away, for crying out loud."

Despite the difficulties, Kenny maintains a positive outlook and gives credit to everyone involved:

Kenny Smith [01:55]: "I just wanted to thank them for it. All in fun. Ain't nobody walking around here with some big head just because I hit three free throws or crying out loud."

Reflections on Competition and Performance

Handling Pressure

Stephen A. discusses the pressure of performing under national television scrutiny, acknowledging the challenges and the importance of rising to the occasion:

Stephen A. Smith [04:00]: "Even though it was pressure, it was on national television, everybody was watching. And had I missed, I wouldn't have heard the end of it. So I did respond to the pressure of the moment."

He gives himself credit for handling the situation well, while maintaining humility regarding the competition:

Stephen A. Smith [04:05]: "I will give myself credit for that, but not for beating Kenny Smith, who rolled left handed."

Kenny's Performance

Kenny reflects on his performance, attributing his less-than-stellar shooting to the unexpected conditions and minimal warm-up:

Kenny Smith [01:55]: "I hit one. But I would have hit more if I warmed up a little bit more. But it's cool. It's cool."

He acknowledges the fun aspect of the challenge and reiterates the friendly nature of the competition:

Kenny Smith [01:55]: "It's all in fun. Ain't nobody walking around here with some big head just because I hit three free throws or crying out loud."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Stephen A. encapsulates the essence of the competition and his appreciation for the camaraderie shared with Kenny and the TNT crew:

Stephen A. Smith [05:00]: "We all go back decades and so to have that, to be on TNT with those guys having that kind of fun, I just can't say enough about what an experience it was."

He emphasizes the mutual respect and the enjoyable experiences that come from such friendly competitions, leaving listeners with a sense of camaraderie and admiration for both himself and Kenny.

Key Takeaways

• Friendly Competition: The free throw challenge between Stephen A. Smith and Kenny Smith was a lighthearted yet competitive event that showcased their mutual respect and camaraderie.

• Adaptability Under Pressure: Both Stephen A. and Kenny demonstrated their ability to handle pressure, especially with Stephen A. performing successfully under national television scrutiny.

• Behind-the-Scenes Insights: The episode provided listeners with valuable insights into the professional relationships within the sports media landscape, particularly the transition of the TNT crew to ESPN.

• Humor and Humility: Despite the competitive nature of the challenge, both hosts maintained a humorous and humble demeanor, reinforcing the friendly nature of their interaction.

Notable Quotes:

• Kenny Smith [01:55]: "It's all in fun. Ain't nobody walking around here with some big head just because I hit three free throws or crying out loud."

• Stephen A. Smith [04:05]: "I will give myself credit for that, but not for beating Kenny Smith, who rolled left handed."

• Stephen A. Smith [03:15]: "I want to give props to the whole TNT crew. See, they come to ESPN next year."

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show masterfully blends competition, humor, and professional insights, making it a must-listen for fans interested in the personalities and dynamics that shape the world of sports media.