Obi Toppin’s first NBA Finals appearance is more than just a personal achievement—it’s a landmark for the Dayton Flyers program and a testament to resilience
His journey reminds us that success in professional sports often comes not just to the most talented, but to those who are willing to adapt, learn, and seize the moment.
Regardless of the outcome, Toppin has already etched his name in the annals of NBA and college basketball history.
From being a top-10 pick with limited opportunities in New York to becoming a postseason contributor on a Finals-bound team, Obi Toppin’s journey is one of resilience and growth.
His willingness to laugh, compete, and stay ready — whether it’s for pushups or playoff threes — reflects what this Pacers team is all about.
As Indiana prepares to shock the world, they’ll need more moments of brilliance from their role players.
And if Game 6 against the Knicks was any indication, Obi Toppin is ready to deliver — with a smile on his face and a jump shot that just might send a streamer back to the floor.
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Obi Toppin Takes on Agent 00: Pushups and 3-Pointers
During the NBA Finals media day on Wednesday, the usually serious atmosphere was punctuated by a fun, friendly wager between Toppin and popular NBA content creator AMP Agent 00.1
The challenge was straightforward: hit a 3-pointer or drop for 10 pushups.
Agent 00 stepped up first, let the ball fly… and bricked the shot. True to his word, he quickly dropped for 10 pushups. Then came Toppin, who coolly sank his own shot — handing the streamer 10 more pushups in the process.
Captured by ClutchPoints reporter Tomer Azarly, the moment exploded online. Fans praised Toppin’s cool demeanor and sharp shooting while embracing the joyful spirit he brought to an otherwise high-stakes moment.
The Calm Before the Storm
This light moment perfectly encapsulates the energy around the Pacers as they gear up for a massive series.
Despite being underdogs, Indiana is riding high off a whirlwind postseason in which they toppled some of the Eastern Conference’s elite.
Toppin’s carefree attitude — seen during the media day challenge — speaks volumes about the team’s mindset.
The Pacers aren’t just happy to be here; they’re playing loose, confident basketball with the belief that they can pull off one of the biggest upsets in recent Finals history.
A Resurgent Obi Toppin in the Postseason Spotlight
After a solid but unspectacular regular season, Toppin has found another gear in the playoffs. Serving as a spark plug off the bench, he’s averaged 8.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists across Indiana’s 2025 postseason run.
His standout moment came in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks — his former team. In that do-or-die game, Toppin poured in 18 points, playing with a noticeable edge and hunger that fueled Indiana’s series-clinching win.
It was a personal statement as much as a professional one, showcasing his growth since being traded from New York and underscoring the Pacers’ depth as a team capable of winning without depending solely on their stars.
Thunder vs. Pacers: A Tale of Two Young Cores
This year’s Finals matchup brings together two of the youngest, most exciting teams in the NBA.
On one side, the Oklahoma City Thunder — the No. 1 seed in the West — have surged behind the elite play of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams.
On the other side, the Pacers have leaned heavily on Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner, and an underrated bench led by the likes of Toppin, Andrew Nembhard, and Ben Sheppard.
The Thunder enter as favorites, and rightly so — they’ve knocked out the Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets, and Minnesota Timberwolves with a combination of defense, pace, and three-point precision.
But the Pacers have proven to be no slouches, outlasting the Bucks, Cavaliers, and Knicks in gritty series that tested their composure.
Obi Toppin’s Versatility: An X-Factor for Indiana
Toppin may not lead Indiana in minutes or scoring, but his contributions go beyond the stat sheet.2
He’s a transition threat, a capable three-point shooter, and an energy giver who can shift momentum with a big dunk or key defensive stop.
Head coach Rick Carlisle has relied on Toppin in critical stretches, especially when Indiana has needed to increase tempo or match up athletically with opponents’ wings and stretch-fours.
Against a team like OKC — which thrives on movement and mismatch creation — Toppin’s defensive flexibility and offensive cutting will be essential.
If he can continue knocking down open looks and make his presence felt in transition, the Pacers’ bench unit could help tip the scales in a closely contested series.
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Spots go fast so secure yours today ➡️https://t.co/ZcmxuXDbrf pic.twitter.com/03a7nQEQVc— Obi Toppin (@obitoppin1) May 24, 2023
A Bench Battle Worth Watching
Much of the pre-Finals chatter revolves around the stars — Haliburton vs. Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren vs. Turner. But in a series where each possession matters, it may be the battle of the benches that determines the outcome.
Toppin’s matchup with OKC’s role players, such as Aaron Wiggins and Jaylin Williams, will be pivotal. Indiana has gotten big contributions from Nembhard and Sheppard, but Toppin’s ability to swing the game with a sequence of hustle plays makes him an X-factor.
If Toppin can build on the confidence he displayed against New York and ride the momentum from media day fun into Game 1, he could be one of the surprise heroes of the Finals.
Obi Toppin: Fueling Confidence with Chemistry and Fun
It’s no secret that team chemistry matters more than ever in the postseason.3
One reason Indiana has gotten this far is the unity between veterans and younger players. Toppin, known for his upbeat energy and team-first attitude, is a bridge between those two groups.
His playful moment with Agent 00 may have seemed insignificant, but in reality, it’s part of the broader culture Indiana has built this season — one of positivity, camaraderie, and joy. When a team enjoys the grind together, it shows in the way they play.
Looking Ahead to Game 1
As tip-off approaches, the pressure will ramp up. But if Obi Toppin’s media day moment is any indication, this Pacers team isn’t backing down from the moment — they’re embracing it.
Game 1 promises a clash of styles: OKC’s methodical execution and deep rotations against Indiana’s high-paced ball movement and opportunistic defense.
The Thunder might have home-court advantage and more playoff experience in key roles, but the Pacers carry the chip-on-their-shoulder energy that can’t be underestimated.
A Showdown Set for the Big Stage
The Indiana Pacers are heading into uncharted waters as they prepare to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 NBA Finals.
Game 1 tips off Thursday night at the electric Paycom Center, and for many on this youthful Pacers squad, it’s their first taste of Finals basketball. Among them is Obi Toppin, the high-flying forward who has carved out a critical bench role for Indiana throughout this postseason run.
But before the championship pressure takes full effect, Toppin took a lighthearted detour that fans couldn’t get enough of.
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Obi Toppin Makes History with NBA Finals Appearance
A Historic Milestone for Obi Toppin
Obi Toppin’s upcoming appearance in the 2025 NBA Finals marks a defining moment in both his personal journey and the broader narrative of Dayton Flyers basketball history.
In his fifth year in the league, Toppin has carved out a significant role with the Indiana Pacers, helping guide the team to its first Finals berth since 2000. For Toppin, it is the culmination of years of effort, growth, and perseverance.
Even more notable is the fact that Toppin becomes the first former Dayton Flyers player ever to appear in an NBA Finals game.
While two other Dayton alumni made Finals rosters in the past, neither saw actual court time. Toppin’s breakthrough ends a 48-year drought and brings national recognition to the University of Dayton’s basketball program.
From Dayton to the Biggest Stage
Obi Toppin rose to national prominence during his time at the University of Dayton, where he won the 2020 Naismith Award as the best player in college basketball.
That year, he led the Flyers to a 29-2 record and a potential No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, which was ultimately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Toppin’s explosive athleticism, transition game, and highlight-reel dunks made him a fan favorite and a lottery pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, going No. 8 overall to the New York Knicks.
While his time in New York was marked by limited opportunities and fluctuating minutes, he never lost his energy or work ethic—qualities that would prove vital in his next chapter.
A Fresh Start in Indiana
In the summer of 2023, the Knicks traded Obi Toppin to the Indiana Pacers in search of a better roster fit and greater development opportunities for the young forward. The move turned out to be mutually beneficial.
Toppin found a system under head coach Rick Carlisle that valued pace, movement, and athleticism—perfectly suited to his style.
During the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons, Toppin became a consistent contributor off the bench for Indiana.
His ability to finish in transition, space the floor as a stretch forward, and bring defensive versatility allowed the Pacers to flourish with a deep and dynamic roster. By the time the playoffs arrived, Toppin had earned the trust of the coaching staff and became an integral part of the team’s rotation.
Contributions in the Eastern Conference Finals
Obi Toppin played a key role in Indiana’s seven-game triumph over the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals.
In an emotional series against his former team, Toppin averaged 9.0 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, providing valuable minutes and energy off the bench.
His performance was especially critical in swing moments of the series, where his hustle plays and transition baskets helped Indiana maintain momentum.
Toppin’s ability to stay locked in defensively and attack mismatches added a crucial dimension to the Pacers’ game plan. Though not a headline star, his contributions were those of a seasoned professional rising to the occasion.
Obi Toppin: Facing the Oklahoma City Thunder
The Indiana Pacers now face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals—a matchup rich with storylines.
While Indiana enters as underdogs against a young, fiery OKC team led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, the Pacers’ blend of experience and depth has proven effective in the playoffs.
Toppin’s experience against the Thunder in the regular season offers a small preview of what to expect. In two matchups, he averaged 8.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, showing his versatility.
Despite the Pacers losing both contests, the Finals offer a chance for redemption—and Toppin is sure to bring added intensity.
Symbolic Importance for Dayton Basketball
For the University of Dayton, Toppin’s achievement transcends individual success. The program has a rich basketball tradition but has rarely seen its alumni make a deep impact at the NBA level.
Toppin’s presence in the Finals shines a light on the talent that can emerge from mid-major programs and underscores the value of player development in college.
His journey also serves as inspiration for future Flyers players and recruits. Seeing a Dayton product on the NBA’s biggest stage gives credibility to the program and demonstrates that great things can be achieved outside of the traditional basketball powerhouses.
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Overcoming Setbacks and Seizing Opportunities
- Toppin’s journey to the Finals hasn’t been without its challenges. His first few years in the NBA were spent largely in a backup role behind Julius Randle in New York, with limited offensive opportunities.
- Critics questioned whether he could be more than just a flashy dunker.
- But Toppin kept his head down, continued to refine his skills, and embraced a team-first mentality. His transition to Indiana gave him a clean slate—and he seized the opportunity.
- He improved as a three-point shooter, decision-maker, and defender, all of which made him a trusted member of a playoff-caliber roster.
- One of the most underrated aspects of Toppin’s game is his ability to do the little things that contribute to winning basketball.
- Whether it’s diving for loose balls, sprinting back on defense, or setting hard screens to free up teammates, Toppin has embraced his role and excelled in it.
- In today’s NBA, where spacing, versatility, and tempo are key, Toppin’s style fits perfectly.
- He doesn’t need to score 20 points to be impactful—his presence alone can shift the pace and energy of the game. That’s precisely why he has been so valuable to Indiana’s playoff run.
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