With Julius Randle likely to miss at least the rest of the regular season with a sprained left ankle, Toppin now has a valuable chance to prove he deserves a larger role in the Knicks’ rotation.
And with the Knicks clinching a playoff berth, that he can play an important role in the team’s postseason ambition.
He took his showcase a significant step further against the Wizards, pouring in 21 points on 9 of 15 shooting and 3 of 8 from behind the arc.He played 33 minutes against Washington, by far his most of the season, and his plus-19 was tied with Jalen Brunson for highest on the team.“Just playing to his strengths,” head coach Tom Thibodeau said after practice on Tuesday. “Every player has strengths, every player has weaknesses.
He’s been able to play in the paint and around the rim more, and more importantly, thrived while running the floor and helping push the pace in transition.Toppin continued his trend of excelling in an elevated role. “I think he’s made really good reads, he’s run the floor well, he’s moved the ball side-to-side,” Thibodeau said. “When he was open, he shot it. When he was guarded, he moved it. He kept it simple, runs the floor great. Take advantage of things that way.”Noah K. Murray for NY Post
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