Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals series between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks commenced Tuesday night. The pro-Knicks crowd that gathered at Madison Square Garden rocked The World’s Most Famous Arena and the Knicks rolled to victory over the Pacers.
But while the game proceeded, a well-known hoops personality emerged with comments that stirred everyone up. Bill Simmons, former ESPN columnist, and founder of The Ringer, and noted Boston Celtics fan, commented on the proceedings. It’s safe to say those comments weren’t all received well.
“Tonight on TNT, Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers take on Scott Foster and the New York Knicks!” Simmons posted on X, the website formerly known as Twitter.
Controversial NBA referee Scott Foster officiated Tuesday night’s game between the Knicks and Pacers.
“Tonight on TNT, Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers take on Scott Foster and the New York Knicks!”
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) May 15, 2024
How you felt about Simmons’ comments had much to do with whether you were rooting for the Knicks. Or, in some other cases, if you were rooting against the Celtics. Some likely read his comments as coming off like a hater. If Boston finishes the deal against Cleveland, and if the Knicks win Game 6, then they’ll tangle in the Eastern Conference Finals. So, he has every reason to ‘hate’ right now. It’s not like the Red Sox fan has any reason to hate New York, after all.
Many around the sports world chimed in on what Simmons had to say.
Honestly how is this the take? If you think the Pacers are getting an unfair whistle tonight idk what to tell you. https://t.co/FIqCtuBvtr
— ShwinnyPooh, national championship enjoyer (@shwinnypooh) May 15, 2024
Pretty frustrating that this is how the Knicks are covered by a huge member of media.
Especially in a game where they’ve played SO well. https://t.co/4vTYqT3YRv
— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) May 15, 2024
Bill is is trolling early for Knicks-Celtics ECF I see https://t.co/mqduPQspSp
— Cyrus Smith (@CoolCyWrites) May 15, 2024
The Pacers have 12 FTA’s & have only been called for 6 fouls.
The Knicks have 6 FTA’s & have been called for 11. https://t.co/xmO2fj3qIn
— Andrew Claudio (@AndrewJClaudio_) May 15, 2024
Surprised Bill has the brain capacity to tweet a single sentence, considering he can’t remember the names of WNBA teams https://t.co/4XLF7YmTX6
— Daily Knicks (@DailyKnicksFS) May 15, 2024
im hearing that celtics fans are scared of seeing the knicks in the eastern conference finals?? https://t.co/HMq1spMATe
— brian (@trappedinazorb) May 15, 2024
tell me you’re box score watching without telling me you’re box score watching https://t.co/uw13oKv0Y5
— rads (@rads619) May 15, 2024
About Chris Novak
Chris Novak has been talking and writing about sports ever since he can remember. Previously, Novak wrote for and managed sites in the SB Nation network for nearly a decade from 2013-2022