It was more like the Obi Toppin the Knicks thought they were getting.
The lottery is still working back after having a strained calf in the season opener, with Sunday only its fourth NBA game. But Toppin took a look at what was to come, with a career-high 12 points and five rebounds off the bench in the 105-75 Knicks victory over the Celtics at TD Garden.
“Whatever my coach needs, I’m willing to do it,” Toppin said. “Whatever the team is going to help win, I’m willing to do it. And I’m going to keep learning and getting better every day. We have excellent teammates and great coaches around me who are going to push me every day to be great. And I look forward to that day, that I will be wonderful. ”
Toppin shot 5 of 8 from the field and 2 of 4 from outside the arc in 17 minutes, the most he has played since the first game of the season. He said his conditioning is ‘pretty good’ after missing ten games.
“He did a very good job getting him ready to play again,” coach Tom Thibodeau said. ‘In every outing he was better and better. And his defense is really coming. He is a very talented attacking player. ”
Toppin showed a strong connection with fellow rookie Immanuel Quickley. The point guard led him to four of his five field goals, including an alley.
Mitchell Robinson, who suffered an injured right heel against the Cavaliers on Friday, rebounded in the first quarter on Sunday when he took a hard fall after blocking a three-pointer. He said his knee affected the worst, and it showed he was apparently still moving ginger when he returned in the second quarter.
“It’s okay so far,” Robinson said. “Keep just treating it and see if I can play through it.”
The Knicks play the second half of a rugby game against the Magic on Monday at Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a meaningful match for Reggie Bullock.
“Using my platform, I need to be aware of a lot of social issues that are happening in America,” Bullock said. ‘I think it’s great that we’re playing that day. I am very proud to do so, play with my team and take part. The Knicks are a big franchise. It’s great for us to use our platform and play for a good organization. “We are playing on MLK Day to continue to raise awareness of all the social issues currently going on in America.” We are playing on MLK Day to continue raising awareness of all the social issues currently going on in America. ”
Thibodeau left the door open for Alec Burks (sprained left ankle) to possibly return Monday after having a ‘good day’ to practice on Saturday.
– Additional reporting by Marc Berman