Knicks trust Obi Toppin to fill in for Julius Randle

Julius Randle will he continue to grit his teeth so as not to miss a crumb of this first act between the Knicks and the Heat in the conference semi-finals tonight? Uncertainty reigns as the New York inside twisted his left ankle again during Game 5 in Cleveland, a month after contracting a severe sprain in the same ankle.

Tipped to replace him if the New York franchise-player were unable to hold his place, Obi Toppin is also at the center of concerns within the “Big Apple”. Between the end of the regular season which allowed him to gain confidence, the interior also delivered a good performance by replacing his leader in Game 5 won on the floor of the Cavs (12 points, 2 rebounds in 22 minutes).

While nothing is yet officially recorded, the native of NYC confided in his preparation for this big meeting for which he decided… not to change anything.

“We prepare in exactly the same way. We’re all going to do the same whether Julius is playing or not playing. We don’t know exactly what his status is at the moment. But it doesn’t matter what the coaches ask us to do. I believe we know what to do once we step onto the pitch.”

The misfortune of some…

If he has only 15 career starts in the NBA, and only 10 playoff games, Obi Toppin has been able to prepare optimally for this 2023 campaign.

The misfortune of some being the happiness of others, the 25-year-old player was indeed able to benefit from 32 minutes played during the five games where he was established in the absence of Julius Randle at the end of the regular season, for 21.8 points on average per game with notably two points at more than 30 points against Indiana. Enough to approach the rest with confidence, being ready for any eventuality.

“Whatever the coach decides, I know what I have to do when I’m on the pitch. Like everyone else, I have to go, give it my all and have fun,” he added. “I feel like I did a good job in Game 5, not just me, but everyone, to get us through the first round. But we are concerned about Miami now. It is in the past and we must continue to work”.

Play in the mecca of basketball

Clearly, Obi Toppin will not be able to replace Julius Randle alone, if the latter were to be forfeited. In any case, he has the confidence of the rest of the team in his ability to give the best.

“He’s playing behind an All-Star, so that’s always going to be tough. But every time he has the opportunity to play, you see what he can do.”said teammate RJ Barrett. “He was very good, especially at the start of the third quarter the other day. It was huge for us and it really helped us to keep the advantage”.

While the first round was relatively well negotiated by the Knicks, Obi Toppin knows that the atmosphere of Madison Square Garden will have its part to play in this new duel that the New Yorkers will approach with home advantage this time.

“It’s the playoffs in the Mecca of basketball. As I said, we have the best supporters in the country, so every time we have the opportunity to step onto this floor, we want to involve them. he slipped as one of MSG’s darlings. “I don’t think I realize yet, but I really feel the love and the energy when we’re on the pitch. I hear it and I thank everyone. It’s a new series and we have to go back to it”.

How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.