Obi Toppin doesn’t forget his roots, but he sure had no problem putting them on a poster! The Indiana Pacers forward ignited social media with a ferocious putback dunk against his former team, the New York Knicks, in a recent playoff game. The SportsCenter tweet perfectly captured the moment, simply stating “@SportsCenter OBI TOPPIN EASTBAY DUNK ON HIS OLD TEAM ,” sending NBA fans into a frenzy.
OBI TOPPIN EASTBAY DUNK ON HIS OLD TEAM 🔥
(via @Pacers)pic.twitter.com/1vvIS8sGG8
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 7, 2024
Obi Toppin’s Eastbay Revival: A Throwback Dunk for the Ages
Obi Toppin, drafted by the Knicks in 2020, spent his first three NBA seasons in the Big Apple. He was known for his explosiveness and highlight-reel dunks, often utilizing the iconic “Eastbay” move – a windmill dunk preceded by a leg swing between the legs. However, after a trade to the Pacers this season, many wondered if Obi Toppin’s highlight days were behind him.
The answer came in the form of a thunderous dunk against his former team. Following a loose ball scramble, Toppin snatched the rebound, took one powerful stride, and unleashed a vicious Eastbay dunk, much to the delight of the Indiana crowd. The iconic move, perfectly captured by SportsCenter, served as a nostalgic reminder of Toppin’s early potential while reminding his old team what they may have let go.
The SportsCenter tweet sparked a firestorm of reactions online. Knicks fans were left with mixed emotions. Some felt betrayed, others simply awed by the athleticism on display. NBA Twitter, however, was buzzing with excitement. The hashtag #EastbayDunk trended, with fans praising Toppin’s explosiveness and the audacity to throw down such a dunk against his former team.
