Obi Toppin, who started in place of injured Julius Randle on Friday, had a heated exchange with RJ Barrett during the Knicks’ win over the Cavaliers on Friday night. However, the Knicks downplayed the incident afterward, Peter Botte of the New York Post reports.
Head coach Tom Thibodeau and his assistants had to keep Toppin away from Barrett during a third-quarter timeout. Toppin and Barrett hugged on the court shortly afterward.
“We’re brothers. And we’re good. We discussed it,” Toppin said.
We have more on the New York teams:
- Nic Claxton signed a two-year, $17.25MM contract as a restricted free agent last summer. That contract is proving to be a bargain, Brian Lewis of the New York Post writes. Claxton has started 72 games and leads the Nets in blocks and rebounds. Claxton hopes he remains with the franchise beyond next season. “It’s human nature. It’s just in our business, you never really know what’s going to happen as far as trades, contracts and everything,” Claxton said. “But I’ve been here four years, and Brooklyn has been a huge [time], played a huge role in my growth. And I would love to be here.”
- Nets forward Mikal Bridges is on track to play 83 regular season games this season, something that hasn’t been done since Josh Smith played that many games for Houston and Detroit in 2014/15, Nick Friedell of ESPN notes. Nets GM Sean Marks is impressed by Bridges’ durability during a time when players are frequently rested. “You look at how he plays the game,” Marks said. “Obviously, when he was playing in Phoenix, even dating back to college days, the length, the reliability — he’s nearing 400 games played in a row, it’s pretty unique in this day and age. And for somebody who actually wants to play at that clip is also certainly refreshing.”
- With Ben Simmons declared out for the season by the Nets, Lewis interviewed a number of medical experts and Simmons’ agent to determine whether he’ll be healthier next season (New York Post subscription required). Lewis also explored the question of whether Simmons might require surgery to resolve his back and knee issues.
Enough of this. Simmons is just playing teams to get paid. Nets should negotiate a buyout. He needs to go back to Australia to the NBL and prove that he actually wants to play basketball, and that he will be any good to some NBA team going forward.
As long as he’s got a contract he doesn’t have to do anything. Chill out hunny.
You are a sad little man
Harsh but agree. Not sure why he is so fixated on a guy who isn’t even playing anymore when we’ve got an exciting final couple of weeks ahead.
Bridges rest 1 game in Brooklyn (first game with Nets)
He didn’t rest that game and the league didn’t count it as a break in his play because it was part of the contract being finalized and all players being cleared to join their teams.
I have always said Toppin is a better mix with Obi1. I know Randle is having a great yr. But even with not really playing well. Toppin showed the potential with the starting team. I know DM agrees with me.
“Mitchell also thought the Knicks played at a noticeably quicker pace with Obi Toppin starting in place of the injured Randle.”
All in all a great team win over Cavs. Imo I’d be playing Obi1 30 mins now. Let him show out. This is an opportunity to show the Knicks. Plus it will make us better for playoffs. It’s going to take everyone to beat the Cavs. I know that …..
So how do all the Knick Geniuses feel out there. Please come tell me about my team now. Are we still rebuilding ……
link to youtu.be
Yes, the knicks are a rebuilding franchise that appear to have made the playoffs.
Last I checked they haven’t won any title’s, or banners, and haven’t strung together 2 seasons of high caliber winning basketball.
Looks like they are headed in the right direction, but I wouldn’t be celebrating just yet
Not celebrating only stating facts. We’re a long way from celebrating. But it’s good to see a young team grow …. especially if it’s your team.
And shut up all the Knick Geniuses.
“Brooklyn Bridges”
He’s been great with the Nets. Definitely a star in the making. Could be going for best 2way player in the game. Chk out this stat ….
“Bridges’ persona has endeared the fans to him, but so has his game. He finished March with 461 points, the second-best month in team history and just 10 points behind the former MVP he was traded for: Kevin Durant.”
Bridges is for Real …..
Bridges IS for real. Brooklyn fleeced Phoenix. Amazing how much the suns undervalued him.
I don’t think Phoenix undervalued him, but rather has to return value in order to procure Durant and the salary has to match. He was a big reason Phoenix was doing well, they just had an opportunity to get Durant.
I was glad to see Obi call out Barrett in that spot. I don’t know for sure what he said, but I can guess. I like RJ, but his approach to that point in the game was off, and its not the first recent game where that’s been the case. If the team’s culture is as strong as the players say, then that message best comes from a teammate.
Still, Obi himself has to play better if he doesn’t want to drift into nominal starter status in the next 4 games. Physicality isn’t a big part of his game, but he needs to bring some force to the game (1 Reb in 19 minutes can’t happen again). We won the boards anyway, this time, but, if we play more games vs CLE as it appears we will, we can’t rely on Allen being out or, even if he is, our C’s combining for 22 Rebs again. Our PF has to join the cause.
I agree Obi has to reb, consistently. Thibs has to ride him a bit. 19 mins isn’t getting it. This right now is a great opportunity for the team. And for Obi1. To find out where he belongs. We need him. You give him 28-30 mins. Let’s see what he’s got.
I’d love to see Obi getting 30 mpg. But as long as he plays 19 of the first 33 minutes of each game (like he did in CLE), his play in those 19 minutes should determine whether he finishes and gets to 30 min. If he’s up to being a starter, that shouldn’t be a problem for him going forward. WSH, IND and NOP (sans Zion) don’t present the same physicality at the 4 as CLE does.
That’s a good point. But it’s a great opportunity to feel out our investment in Obi. Don’t mean we give up the gm. Just give him meaningful mins. So we can see where we go with him.
83 games, especially in today’s league, is insane. Props to Mikal
“With Julius Randle presently sidelined by an ankle injury, only one Knick has appeared in every game this season.
That player is backup center Isaiah Hartenstein, who played the entire fourth quarter for the second consecutive game in Friday’s win in Cleveland.”
This is a great stat, I didn’t know. Let’s revisit , shall we.
2022-23 Free Agency. Knicks sign Jalen Brunson and Isaiah Hartenstein.
How’s that working out geniuses …..
Seriously I just love how this season is turning out. Finally growing up. It’s so hard to truly rebuild in NY. Best FA signings this year, by Far.
Then we pick up Hart. I’d say Knicks management is doing just fine.
Plus this yr. Mavs pick is getting better by the day. If it’s a lottery pick. Only helps us get a good trade done.