WATCH: Obi Toppin throws down between-the-legs dunk during Indiana Pacers preseason game
The Indiana Pacers took down the Cleveland Cavaliers in preseason action on Friday night, and forward Obi Toppin had a solid outing.
The now-Pacers forward finished with 17 points, nine rebounds, and one assist in a win. His cutting was sharp, and he showed how he can fit with Indiana in transition. He had several successful plays leaking out in the open floor.
One of those moments in transition led to an incredible highlight. With no defenders around him, the 25-year old caught a bounce pass from Bennedict Mathurin before setting up for a stylish slam.
Toppin dribbled, took off from outside the restricted area, and threw down a slick between-the-legs dunk. The play can be seen in the video below.
"It was a good pass by Benn... it was just like a perfect bounce, so I knew as soon as I caught it I was going to go between my legs," Toppin said of the play postgame. He added that he likes being flashy on dunks because it can be an energy booster for his team.
Head coach Rick Carlisle was impressed with Toppin's rebounding, something the two have discussed during training camp. "The nine rebounds are terrific. We've challenged him to be a better rebounder and to work on his defense," he said. Toppin has been coming in on off days to get in extra reps for the blue and gold.
The highlight was Toppin's best in a Pacer uniform so far, though he and Tyrese Haliburton did link up for some crazy dunks in a Pro-Am this summer. It was also Toppin's best overall game for the blue and gold yet, and it couldn't have come at a better time — Toppin and the Pacers begin the regular season next Wednesday.
- Exclusive: Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker joins Under Armour: 'It means the world'. CLICK HERE.
- Indiana Pacers exercise rookie-scale team options in Bennedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson's contracts. CLICK HERE.
- Indiana Pacers take down Atlanta Hawks for first preseason win of 2023. CLICK HERE.
- What can the Indiana Pacers do better on defense this year? Well, everything. CLICK HERE.
- Follow AllPacers on Facebook: All Pacers SI
- Follow AllPacers on Twitter: @SIPacers