Obi Toppin produces best game of young career as Knicks blast Wizards
WASHINGTON -- Obi Toppin scored a career-high 35 points, and the New York Knicks beat the Washington Wizards 114-92 on Friday night.
RJ Barrett scored 14 points for the Knicks before leaving the game with a sprained right knee. His early exit came on a night when a number of key players from both teams didn't play at all. Both teams are eliminated from playoff contention. New York (36-45) moved a game ahead of Washington (35-46) for 11th place in the Eastern Conference.
The Knicks allowed the game's first 10 points and shot just 2 of 9 from 3-point range in the first quarter, but they dominated after that. New York was 14 of 30 from long distance the rest of the way.
"We started, we were lethargic," Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said. "It's a long game, We just wanted to stop the bleeding and get going. I thought we came out of that, and we got our energy going."
The Knicks took control when they outscored Washington 36-19 in the second quarter to lead 59-50 at halftime.
"We've had an issue three of the last four games, defending the 3-point line," Wizards coach Wes Unseld Jr. said. "We just haven't had urgency to get to shooters."
New York scored the final six points of the first half on a dunk and then a four-point play by Toppin. Then the Knicks scored the first 13 of the third quarter. Toppin capped the run with two more 3-pointers to make it 72-50.
"Before, I was thinking don't mess up. I feel like right now, I'm thinking shoot first, and then go backside, dribble handoff with guys," Toppin said. "I'm just playing with a different type of confidence now."
Rui Hachimura led the Wizards with 21 points. Immanuel Quickley had 23 points and 10 assists for New York.
DID NOT PLAY
The Wizards have been without Bradley Beal (left wrist) for more than two months, and Kyle Kuzma (right knee) was out for a 12th straight game. Kristaps Porzingis (right knee) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (rest) did not play either.
"I hope to see at least, us trying to get to our spots and run offense correctly," Unseld said. "Didn't feel like it, but once again, I'm not going to blame guys for not feeling comfortable playing different positions."
Unseld said Kuzma, Porzingis and Caldwell-Pope will also miss the team's finale at Charlotte.
New York was without Julius Randle (right quadriceps tendon) for a fourth straight game. The Knicks have also been without Nerlens Noel (left foot), Cam Reddish (right shoulder), Derrick Rose (right ankle) and Kemba Walker. Quentin Grimes (right knee) and Mitchell Robinson (non-COVID illness) each missed a second straight game.
TIP-INS
Knicks: Toppin's previous career high was 20 points.
Wizards: Washington was blown out despite shooting 51% from the field. The Wizards had 22 turnovers, which led to 33 New York points. ... This was Washington's home finale. The Wizards went 21-20 at home this season.
UP NEXT
Knicks: Host Toronto on Sunday night.
Wizards: At Charlotte on Sunday.
