Knicks’ Obi Toppin ‘terrific’ in rare closing role as Julius Randle struggles

Obi Toppin was given the chance as a result of Julius Randle's inefficiency, and the third-year forward took full advantage of it.

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At the sold-out Garden on Sunday afternoon, Toppin played a crucial part in the Knicks' gutsy 102-93 Game 4 victory over the Cavaliers.

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Toppin entered the game in the fourth quarter and didn't leave until the final seconds.

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Toppin had a season-high eight rebounds, five of which were offensive, in addition to his five points.

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The Knicks outscored the Cavaliers by 11 in his 20 minutes, which is a series high.

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Coach Tom Thibodeau commented, "I thought Obi was terrific," after the Knicks grabbed a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven first-round series.

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"He not only gave us energy, but also gave us rebounding."

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Toppin, Isaiah Hartenstein, RJ Barrett, Josh Hart, and Jalen Brunson made up the unexpected final five.

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