Don’t tell Obi Toppin that revenge games aren’t real.
The Indiana Pacers forward returned to Madison Square Garden on Monday night to start a second-round series against his former team, the New York Knicks. Toppin made a thunderous statement with a highlight dunk.
Late in the third quarter, Toppin stole the ball after T.J. McConnell stripped Jalen Brunson. The 26-year-old had a clear path to the basket after Josh Hart unsuccessfully tried to poke the ball loose around midcourt.
Rather than ensuring the easiest two points possible with a layup or safe two-hand slam, the 2022 dunk contest champion opted for something more dramatic.
Toppin went between his legs and dunked with one hand.to give Indiana an 84-77 lead. Luckily, he avoided a blooper by finishing the jam.
Here’s a look at his monster dunk:
OBI TOPPIN BETWEEN THE LEGS 🤩 pic.twitter.com/7uUQ8TM3nN
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 7, 2024
Toppin began his NBA career with the Knicks, who made him the No. 8 pick in 2020. He flashed potential but rarely saw major minutes off the bench.
Last offseason, New York sent Toppin to Indiana for two second-round draft picks. He played every game during the regular season and averaged career highs in points (10.3), rebounds (3.9), field-goal percentage (57.3), and three-point percentage (40.3) in an expanded role.
Toppin helped power a first-round victory over the Milwaukee Bucks by scoring double-digit points in each of the last four games, including 21 in a series-ending Game 6 victory.
Dunking between the legs in a playoff game at the World’s Most Famous Arena was certainly a bold move. Maybe Toppin wants the Knicks to realize what they’re missing.Â