2 Studs, 1 dud from Indiana Pacers preseason win over Cleveland Cavaliers

Stud – Obi Toppin

When the Indiana Pacers traded for Obi Toppin earlier in the offseason, it seems likely that they had visions of his high-flying antics pairing beautifully next to their core.

Well, that’s exactly what he delivered in their final preseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, showing off his ability to become a human highlight reel at a moment’s notice.

The highlight of this game was a transition dunk off a beautiful bounce pass feed from Bennedict Mathurin. Toppin threw down a nasty between-the-legs jam to get the crowd amped up.

But his stud-worthy night was about more than a single highlight. Toppini paired his super cool dunk with a solid statline that should have fans excited.

In his 26:13 of action as a member of Indiana’s starting lineup, a place he’s taken over this preseason, Toppin put up 17 points, nine rebounds, and one assist while shooting 6-of-9 from the floor and 1-of-3 from beyond the arc.

Toppin’s ability to catch lobs will be one of the main reasons he sees significant playing time, but his shooting and rebounding could be key to his success, too.

While rookie Jarace Walker could challenge him for the starting power forward spot, right now, it seems like Toppin will be a great fit in Indiana’s starting five.