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Stephen A. Smith admits he made the ‘worst prediction of his career’ by picking the Timberwolves to sweep the Nuggets

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Ubong Archibong | Last updated 5/15/24

Stephen A. Smith recently made a bold prediction on First Take, where he said that the Minnesota Timberwolves would win the NBA championship this year. At the time he made the bold pronouncement, the T-Wolves had a 2-0 lead over the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals.

However, since then, the Denver Nuggets have steamrolled their way to three straight wins to take a 3-2 series lead and are one win away from advancing to the Western Conference finals. Smith’s prediction has not aged well, and he admitted on Tuesday’s episode of ESPN’s First Take that he is “a very humbled individual” and “embarrassed” by his prediction.

I’ve made my share of predictions. I’ve been wrong sometimes. I’ve been right a hell of a lot more than I’ve been wrong… Right now, the Minnesota Timberwolves have me looking like I have made the worst prediction in the history of my career. I’ve never been more embarrassed by a prediction that I have made than what I did when I was in South Beach last week, saying this about the Minnesota Timberwolves. Stephen A. Smith said on First Take

"Right now, the Minnesota Timberwolves have me looking like I have made the worst prediction in the history of my career. I've never been more embarrassed by a prediction that I have made."

@stephenasmith pic.twitter.com/fGqBgzByIK
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 15, 2024

Stephen A. Smith acknowledged that he has been wrong before, but this prediction is particularly conspicuous and embarrassing. He went further to add that he has never been more embarrassed by a prediction in his career, and that the Timberwolves’ performance has made him look like he made the worst prediction in history.

Furthermore, SAS’s admission of embarrassment and humility is a rare moment of vulnerability for the outspoken and confident personality. An attribute fans have found shocking considering his brand of sports analysis.

Stephen A. Smith tenders an apology to the Denver Nuggets

Stephen A. Smith went further and apologized to the Denver Nuggets for predicting they would get swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves after being down 0-2 in the series. He acknowledged that he was wrong and surprisingly praised the Nuggets’ championship response, led by their three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and an elite supporting cast.

Furthermore, Smith specifically highlighted the Nuggets coach Mike Malone’s smart adjustment that has helped rebut the Wolves’ suffocating defense, which has allowed Aaron Gordon to thrive. He also apologized to Malone, Jamal Murray , Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr, and KCP.

The Nuggets have shown their championship spirit with the way they responded to falling at home and winning the next three straight games, including two in Minnesota. However, Smith’s apology has served as a lesson to not rule out the defending champions, even when the odds are against them.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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