There isn’t really an explanation needed here. Just watch this:
Stephen A. Smith finally picked the correct NBA Finals winner for the first time since 2011
For 2017, he picked the Warriors to win in seven games. They actually won in five, but we’ll count it.
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
What makes this streak so impressive is how statistically difficult it is to get six predictions wrong in a row. Take out everything basketball related, the fact there’s prior knowledge, and just make every pick a straight 50/50 guess.
On the May 29 episode of First Take, Smith made his prediction — Warriors in 7 games — along with self-awareness that he’s been wrong in the past.
“I’m quite sure LeBron and them are very happy, because every time I pick against them, he wins.”
And it worked! The Warriors finished off the Cavaliers in five games, giving Smith his first correct prediction since 2010. Congratulations, Stephen A. You did it!
The odds of getting a 50/50 guess wrong six times in a row was 1/64, or 1.56 percent. If Stephen A. Smith blindfolded himself and had to point to a name, there would be a 98.44 percent chance he’d get at least one NBA Finals prediction correct over this time span.
Let this be a lesson to everyone: If Stephen A. makes another prediction, put your money against him. It’s almost a guarantee. Well, except this year.
