Toppin has new playoff-high 18 pts. in 1st start for Knicks

New York Knicks forward Obi Toppin (1) drives against Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) during the first half of Game 1 in the NBA basketball Eastern Conference …

New York Knicks forward Obi Toppin (1) drives against Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) during the first half of Game 1 in the NBA basketball Eastern Conference semifinals playoff series, Sunday, April 30, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

by: Joey DeBerardino

Posted: May 1, 2023 / 05:39 PM EDT

Updated: May 1, 2023 / 05:45 PM EDT

NEW YORK (WDTN) – Former star Dayton Flyer Obi Toppin filled in for an injured Julius Randle in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals for his first NBA postseason start where he posted a playoff career-high 18 points and 8 rebounds on Sunday night.

Toppin also set new playoff career-highs in minutes played with 31, field goals made (7), field goal attempts (15), three pointers made (4) and three point attempts (11).

The Heat took game 1 of the series 108-101. Game 2 is set for Tuesday night at 7:30 pm at Madison Square Garden.