Julius Randle’s ineffectiveness opened the door for Obi Toppin, and the third-year forward made the most of the opportunity.
for Obi Toppin, and the third-year forward made the most of the opportunity.
Toppin started the fourth quarter and didn’t come out until the final seconds, playing a significant role in theToppin scored five points and added a season-high eight rebounds, five of them offensive boards.“I thought Obi was terrific,” coach Tom Thibodeau said after the Knicks took a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven, opening-round series. “He gave us energy, but he also gave us rebounding.”
It was a surprising closing five: Toppin, Isaiah Hartenstein, RJ Barrett, Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson.Charles WenzelbergCharles Wenzelberg The group put together a 15-6 run in the fourth quarter that turned the game in the Knicks’ favor for good, and Thibodeau didn’t feel the need to make a change. “Those guys built the lead,” Thibodeau said. “Obviously whatever you think gives the team the best chance to win, that’s what you’re gonna do.”That meant rotation minutes off the bench for Miles McBride, who hit a 3-pointer and defendedMiles McBride was tasked with guarding Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell at times Sunday.
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