New York Knicks rookie Obi Toppin just made his preseason debut in Madison Square Garden, and fans loved every bit of it.
The Knicks were down huge against the Cleveland Cavaliers late in the game, but hey clawed their way back to a 100-93 win behind the heroics of their prized rookie. The ‘Bockers outscored the Cavs 34-13 in the last 12 minutes of play, with Toppin making sure he stamped his class on his home game.
New York had a 10-0 run late in the game, which ultimately gave them the W. It was the 22-year old who capped off the surge as he went way up for a one-handed baseline slam. Naturally, Knicks fans went bonkers on Twitter:
RJ TO TOPPIN TO SEAL IT pic.twitter.com/4D5fylprIq
— The Knicks Wall (@TheKnicksWall) December 17, 2020
https://twitter.com/RobMcLamb/status/1339404364218286082
This will be on loop until further notice https://t.co/H4JfXHbPUP
— your favorite dad (@malcolmpyeung) December 17, 2020
He kinda gives me Amare Stoudemire vibes https://t.co/sWYbJKrFum
— 🏁 Silva Zoldyck (@J_Hayes90) December 17, 2020
hes literally year 1 blake https://t.co/ojMfzfNMhu
— ⓑⓞⓞⓜⓘⓔ (@boomerbats) December 17, 2020
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR INCOMING
— Did the Knicks Win? (@knickswintrack) December 17, 2020
There's a lot to unload from all those tweets, but if you're Toppin, you got to love the Amar'e Stoudemire reference. One thing's for sure though: New York's new big man is poised to have a breakout year.
Although Toppin scored just eight points in his MSG debut on Wednesday, he did end up logging in 31 minutes off the bench and added seven rebounds and one steal. In the Knicks' first three preseason games, the eight overall pick of this year's draft has consistently come off the bench and played at least 20 minutes.
Obi Toppin, who naturally plays the four spot, would have to wait his turn as the Knicks' main PF moving forward. After all, the ‘Bockers still have Julius Randle who averaged 19.5 points and 9.7 rebounds per game in his first season in New York in 2019-20.
However, if Toppin can produce these highlights consistently, look for Knicks fans to continue to ride the Obi bandwagon and clamor for his spot in the starting unit.
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