Stephen A. Smith fires back at Donald Trump with ‘Sleepy Joe’ dig after Game 3 debacle

The New York Knicks’ Game 3 loss in the NBA Finals sparked another exchange between ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith and President Donald Trump.

During Tuesday’s episode of First Take, Smith responded to comments Trump made after attending the Knicks’ 115-111 loss to the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on Monday night. The defeat cut New York’s series lead to 2-1 and ended the team’s 13-game playoff winning streak.

Smith first discussed the disappointment surrounding the loss and the logistical challenges around Madison Square Garden stemming from President Donald Trump’s attendance, which prompted heightened security measures and affected fan access to the area.

“Let me stick to the New York Knicks for a second here. Not only did we lose the game, did you see traffic? Did you see the watch party that wasn’t outside of Madison Square Garden? Did you see thousands upon thousands of faithful New York Knicks fans that were forced to remove themselves from the area?”

Smith then turned his attention toward Trump, who attended the game and became a frequent topic of discussion throughout the evening.

"The brother wasn't awake. If it was that important for you to be there, why did you look like you were asleep? Didn't you call out former President Joe Biden, 'Sleepy Joe'? Well, what should we call you?"

Stephen A. Smith fires back at President Trump.pic.twitter.com/9oUsZFhYXh https://t.co/LeCQOdJu6I

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 9, 2026

“Guess what he was doing during the game ladies and gentlemen? Go online, look at the videos. I’m not gonna accuse of him of snoring because I wasn’t an earshot, but the brother wasn’t awake.”

“If it was that important for you to be there, why did you look like you were asleep? Didn’t you call out former President Joe Biden, ‘Sleepy Joe’? Well, what should we call you?”

President Trump is asleep at Game 3. pic.twitter.com/eginy85D5Q

— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) June 9, 2026

Donald Trump, Stephen A. Smith exchange barbs after Knicks’ Game 3 NBA Finals loss

Smith’s remarks came one day after Trump responded to comments suggesting he could be blamed if the Knicks lost Game 3.

When asked about Smith following the game, Trump questioned the ESPN host’s qualifications for higher office.

“[Stephen A. Smith] said he would blame you if the Knicks lost tonight. How do you respond?”

“He’s a nice guy, but you need a certain aptitude to run for president. You need a high IQ, I’m not sure [he] has that. I don’t think he does.”

The back-and-forth added another layer to a game that already carried significant stakes for both teams. San Antonio avoided falling into a 3-0 deficit by securing a four-point victory behind a strong performance from Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs’ supporting cast.

Despite the setback, New York remains in control of the series with a 2-1 advantage.

The Knicks will attempt to regain momentum and move within one win of a championship when Game 4 tips off Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC. A victory would put New York one step closer to its first NBA title since 1973, while San Antonio will look to even the series before it returns to Madison Square Garden.

The post Stephen A. Smith fires back at Donald Trump with ‘Sleepy Joe’ dig after Game 3 debacle appeared first on ClutchPoints.