Summary:
- Obi Toppin’ dramatic three-pointer in overtime helped the Pacers secure a much-needed 132-130 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves
- Toppin ended the night with a season-high 34 points
- Anthony Edwards’ 38 points didn’t suffice to preserve Minnesota’s lead in the second period.
The 27-year-old lifted the Indiana Pacers to a 132-130 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves with less than 4 seconds left of the NBA game.
The victory was particularly impressive given the large number of missing key players.
The list included Pascal Siakam, Tyrese Haliburton, Aaron Nesmith and Myles Turner.
The shot put an end to Minnesota’s eight-game winning streak while capping off a career-best night for Obi Toppin.
With the Pacers missing four starters and forced to rely on their bench, Toppin proved providential for his team.
The Brooklyn, NY-born scored a season-high 34 points while hitting seven of his ten attempts from beyond the arc.
His final three-pointer was a tough, fading shot from the right corner, evoking memories of Haliburton’s game-winning four-point play against Milwaukee the week prior.
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle,
Obi Toppin had one of the most spectacular runs at the end of the game I’ve ever seen
Indiana had to fight through adversity all night. Andrew Nembhard exited the game in the third quarter while Bennedict Mathurin fouled out in the fourth.
Despite these setbacks, the Pacers refused to back down. T.J. McConnell stepped up with 11 points and 13 assists, including a crucial layup with less than 5 seconds left in regulation to force overtime.
Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards had a great night, managing to score 29 of his 38 total points during the second half.
While Minnesota appeared to be in control with a five-point lead with just a minute remaining in overtime, Thomas Bryant’s three-pointer quickly cut the deficit.
Edwards then missed a deep shot, and Toppin seized the moment with his game-winning dagger.
Julius Randle had a chance to extend the game, but his fadeaway attempt at the buzzer missed its mark.
Indiana is currently one game behind Milwaukee, fighting for the fourth standing in the Eastern Conference.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves are locked in a tight Western Conference playoff race which US bettors can check the latest odds for with our selection of US sportbooks.
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