Obi Toppin Explains All-Star Break Goals and 'Pressure' to Win

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonah Kubicek | Last updated Feb 13, 2025 4:49 PM ET

Heading into the NBA All-Star Break, the Indiana Pacers have a solid 30-23 record, home-court advantage in a first-round playoff series, and plenty of momentum despite going only 2-3 in the last five games.

With more than a week separating their last game--and overtime win over the Washington Wizards--and their next game, the Pacers are expected to use their in-season vacation to refresh themselves, lock in, and make a push for the postseason.

In their most recent win, Toppin scored a season-high 31 points in his best game since joining the Pacers, and he plans to carry that success into and beyond the break.

"You want to win every game, but going into this break you definitely want to finish good," said Obi Toppin. "Definitely finish with a W, and we knew coming into this game it would be hard with all the pressure coming into the break."

The Pacers struggled to beat the league-worst Wizards, but a win is a win, as Toppin would point out. The Pacers have played five of their last six games on the road and are looking forward to a chance to unwind, although there won't be any days off.

"Getting away from these guys, getting some time in with family, relaxing, but getting time in the gym," are the three things Toppin is most looking forward to.

Toppin got engaged last month and has been on the road for most of the time since, so being back with his family means a lot to him, although he reiterated that there is a lot of work to be done even if the team won't be traveling.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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