Stephen A. Fires Back After Knicks' Josh Hart Roast

Merlin sees a buzzy exchange between Josh Hart and Stephen A. Smith. After Hart told Smith to "shut the hell up," Smith posted a 15-minute video that began by praising Hart — "I love Josh Hart... Josh Hart is the Energizer Bunny for the Knicks" — then warned Hart "you don't know who I know" and reminded him he talks to people inside the organization. The flare-up grew from Smith criticizing Hart for defending Mikal Bridges amid a down year. Merlin knows these skirmishes often burn bright and fade fast. Hart's blunt reply shows he values his voice; Smith's claims of insider ties raise the stakes. The Knicks prefer calm waters, so expect quiet diplomacy. If history is a guide, a private call or mediated cool-down is likely before the noise affects the locker room.