ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith celebrated the New York Knicks winning the 2025 NBA Cup Finals during a recent broadcast [1].

As a prominent supporter of the New York franchise, Smith's reaction highlights the emotional weight of the victory for a team and fanbase that have long sought championship success. The NBA Cup represents a growing competitive fixture in the league's schedule, providing high-stakes drama before the traditional playoffs.

During the Dec. 17, 2025, edition of ESPN’s First Take, Smith said that he was seeing "orange and blue skies" [1]. The colors correspond to the official branding of the New York Knicks, reflecting the analyst's joy over the team's achievement [2].

Smith made the comments from the ESPN studio following the championship celebration [1]. The victory in the 2025 NBA Cup Finals [1] marks a significant milestone for the organization. Smith, known for his passionate and often critical coverage of the team, used the platform to embrace the moment of triumph.

While the NBA Cup is a distinct tournament from the standard NBA season championship, the victory provides the Knicks with a tangible trophy and momentum. The celebration on First Take served as a public acknowledgment of the team's success under the bright lights of the national sports media landscape [2].

Throughout the broadcast, Smith's exuberance served as a focal point for the program's coverage of the event. The analyst's connection to the team often creates a narrative bridge between professional sports commentary and fan experience, a dynamic that ESPN frequently leverages for viewership.

“Stephen A. Smith said that he was seeing "orange and blue skies"”

The celebration by Stephen A. Smith underscores the increasing prestige of the NBA Cup as a legitimate achievement within professional basketball. By treating the victory as a major event on a national platform like First Take, ESPN reinforces the tournament's value to both the league's commercial interests and the emotional investment of the fans.