Another big performance from Toppin

Obi Toppin scored 20 points on seven-of-10 shooting, including six-of-nine from three-point range when the Indiana Pacers brushed aside the Minnesota Timberwolves 119-103 in the NBA on Monday.

Toppin was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and has Barbadian roots. His younger brother, Jacob Toppin presently plays for Atlanta Hawks as a small forward. Their father Obadiah Toppin was a leading street-baller in Brooklyn two decades ago.

The turning point for the Pacers came in the third quarter when they surged ahead, outscoring the Timberwolves by 41-25.

During this frame, Toppin, who played a pivotal role for the Pacers, scored nine of his 20 points, while contributing efficiently from the field.

He made seven and six treys in his past two matches against the T-Wolves, taking advantage of them collapsing on defence when guards drive to the hoop.

He only added one rebound, but his steady shot was more than enough to propel the Pacers to a win.

Tyrese Haliburton finished with 24 points and 11 assists to help the Pacers triumph.

“Something was in the air today,” Toppin said. “My shot just felt good.”

The Pacers have won five straight and seven of eight to stay ahead of the Milwaukee Bucks in the chase for the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Toppin is the regular leading scorer off the bench for the Pacers, but 20 points for him was a lot.

As the Pacers charge towards the playoffs, expect them to continue to use their deep roster as a weapon to tire teams out over the course of a seven-match series. (BT)