This was more like the Obi Toppin the Knicks thought they got.
The lottery pick is still working its way back after an overworked calf in the season opener, with its fourth NBA game on Sunday. But Toppin glimpsed what could come next, recording a career-high 12 points and five rebounds off the bench in the Knicks’ 105-75 win over the Celtics at TD Garden.
“Whatever the coach needs to do, I’m willing to do,” said Toppin. “Whatever is going to help the team win, I’m willing to do. And I continue to learn and get better every day. We have great teammates and great coaches around me who will push me every day to be great. And I look forward to that day when I become great. “
Toppin shot 5 out of 8 from the field and 2 out of 4 from outside the arc in 17 minutes, the most he has played since the first game of the season. He said his fitness is “pretty good” after missing 10 games.
“He has done a really good job getting himself ready to play again,” said coach Tom Thibodeau. “He has been getting better with every outing. And his defense is really taking off. He is truly a gifted attacking player. “
Toppin showed a strong connection with fellow rookie Immanuel Quickley, with the point guard feeding him four of his five field goals, including an alley-oop.
Mitchell Robinson, who sustained a bruised right heel against the Cavaliers on Friday, was hit again in the first quarter on Sunday when he suffered a hard fall after blocking a 3-pointer. He said his knee got the worst of it, which turned out to be because he still seemed to be moving cautiously when he returned in the second quarter.
“So far it’s been good,” said Robinson. “Just keep treating it and see if I can play through it.”
The Knicks will play the second half of a back-to-back Monday against the Magic at Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a meaningful game for Reggie Bullock.
“By using my platform, I need to raise awareness of a lot of social issues that are happening across America,” said Bullock. “I think it is great for us to play that day. I am very proud to do it, to play and compete with my team. The Knicks are a huge franchise. It’s great for us to use our platform and play for a great organization. “We play on MLK Day to continue to raise awareness of all the social issues that are currently affecting America.” We play on MLK Day to continue to raise awareness for all of the social issues currently playing out in America. “
Thibodeau left the door open for Alec Burks (sprained left ankle) to come back possibly Monday after a “good day” of Saturday practice.
– Additional reporting by Marc Berman