Stephen A. Smith calls out Mike Breen over Knicks praise: ‘Don’t give free passes’

This one had a little edge to it.

Stephen A. Smith took aim at Mike Breen during a recent ESPN segment, pushing back on what he viewed as overly favorable commentary about the Knicks.

Smith didn’t mince words.

“Don’t give free passes,” he said. “We’re talking about a team that, yeah, they’ve had some good moments, but let’s not act like everything is all good. There are still questions. There are still issues. And when you’re talking about a team with expectations, you’ve got to hold them accountable.”

That was clearly directed at the tone Breen has taken at times when discussing New York — something Smith believes leans a little too positive.

Breen, as most know, is one of the most respected play-by-play voices in the sport and has long-standing ties to the Knicks.

His perspective often reflects what he’s seeing up close, and to be fair, there have been stretches where New York has looked the part of a serious Eastern Conference contender.

Still, Smith wasn’t buying the idea that the Knicks deserve the benefit of the doubt just yet.

“This is not about disrespect,” Smith added. “This is about being real. If you’re that team, if you’re in that market, you don’t get a pass. You’ve got to produce. Period.”

That’s kind of where this lands.

Breen offers the measured, observational side. Smith brings the heat.

And when it comes to the Knicks, those two perspectives aren’t always going to line up.