NBA preseason debut a success for Toppin in 90-84 Knicks win

Like so many of his points scored at UD, some of Toppin’s first points came on a dunk, though his first NBA dunk was a little less spectacular than this between-the-legs slam. Photo courtesy of Flyer News.

Peter Burtnett
Sports Editor

Former University of Dayton men’s basketball stand-out Obi Toppin made his NBA debut Friday night for the New York Knicks in preseason action against the Detroit Pistons, scoring 11 points and grabbing 7 rebounds in 20 minutes of game action in the Knicks’ 90-84 win.

Toppin’s first points came with 2:09 left in the first quarter. Taking a pass in the high post, Toppin backed down his defender, spun toward the basket, hesitated, and went down the baseline for lay-up, which he made after switching the ball from his left to right hand.

Just four game minutes later, with 11:00 left in the second quarter, Toppin grabbed a loose rebound, brought the ball up the court, passed it off to a teammate, before running behind the basket and establishing himself inbounds to receive a gift-wrapped pass to set up his first NBA dunk.

By the end of the game, Toppin had amassed 7 rebounds, while pouring in 11 points on 4-9 shooting from the field, 3-5 on free throws. He also dished out an assist and blocked a shot, but finished the game with 4 personal fouls.

Although its just a preseason game, Toppin put up solid numbers in his first NBA action.

The rookie will once again face the Pistons Sunday at 7 p.m., before the preseason wraps up with two home games against the Cavaliers on Dec. 16 and 18, both at 7:30 p.m.