This was more like the Obi Toppin that the Knicks thought they were getting.
The lottery choice is still coming back after suffering a calf injury at the opening of the season, with Sunday just marking his fourth game in the NBA. But Toppin gave a glimpse of what may be coming, recording his career record with 12 points and five rebounds off the bench in the Knicks’ 105-75 win over the Celtics at TD Garden.
“Whatever the coach needs me to do, I am willing to do,” said Toppin. “Whatever will help the team to win, I am willing to do. And I will continue to learn and improve every day. We have great teammates and great coaches around me who are going to push me every day to be great. And I’m looking forward to that day, for me to be great. “
Toppin hit 5 of 8 on the field and 2 of 4 outside the arc in 17 minutes, the maximum he has played since the first game of the season. He said his conditioning is “very good” after losing 10 games.
“He did a great job getting ready to play again,” said coach Tom Thibodeau. “At each exit he has been getting better and better. And your defense is really coming. He is a very talented offensive player. “
Toppin showed a strong connection with fellow rookie Immanuel Quickley, with the point guard feeding him in four of his five field goals, including an alley-oop.
Mitchell Robinson, who suffered a bruise on his right heel on Friday against the Cavaliers, was hit again in the first quarter of Sunday when he suffered a sharp fall after blocking a 3-point basket. He said his knee suffered the most, which showed that he appeared to still be moving cautiously when he returned in the second half.
“Everything is fine so far,” said Robinson. “Continue to do the treatment and see if I can play.”
The Knicks are expected to play the second half of a consecutive Monday against Magic on the day of Martin Luther King Jr., a significant game for Reggie Bullock.
“Using my platform, I have to draw attention to a number of social issues that are occurring across America,” said Bullock. “I think it’s great for us to play that day. I am very proud to be doing this, to be playing with my team and competing. The Knicks are a big franchise. It’s great for us to use our platform and play for a large organization. “We play on MLK Day to continue to bring awareness to all of the social issues that are happening in America right now.” We play MLK Day to continue to bring awareness to all the social issues that are happening in America right now. “
Thibodeau left the door open so that Alec Burks (sprained in his left ankle) could return on Monday after a “good morning” training on Saturday.
– Additional reporting by Marc Berman