Image Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Pacers vs. Cavaliers: Obi Toppin Replicates Dr. J-Like Reverse Layup, Reminds of 1980 NBA Finals When Julius Erving Produced Iconic Circus Finish

Obi Toppin turned back the clock and replicated NBA legend Julius Erving's iconic circus finish.

Image Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Obi Toppin did something incredible to honor Julius Erving in the game 4 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The forward replicated one of the most coveted moves in the NBA, turning back the clock. The Cavaliers didn’t have any answer for the Pacers and their players, who were on course to break records on Sunday.

Hours after the NBA put out a social media post of Julius Erving’s iconic lay up from under the basket in 1980, Obi Toppin pulled off a similar move. Exactly 45 years ago, the Philadelphia 76ers legend hit one of the toughest moves for a two pointer that even surprised defenders like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

On May 11, 1980, Dr. J made his own signature play on the way to scoring 23 points in a 105–102 win over the Lakers in Game 4 of the 1980 Finals. Similarly, Obi Toppin in the second quarter with 8:22 on the clock drove to the basket and hit a lay up from under the basket.

Growing up in the 90s the NBA force fed this highlight down our throats like it was the best play of all-time. In 2025 you’ve got athletes like Obi Toppin who can just casually do it on a Sunday evening like it ain’t no thing.
pic.twitter.com/oeXhxzdi5C https://t.co/M7jte3fxYw
— Steven Cheah (@StevenCheah) May 12, 2025

Also Read: Indiana Pacers Set Several NBA Playoff Records After First-Half Explosion vs. Cavaliers in Game 4

The 27-year-old saw Donovan Mitchell racing to tackle the shot, and he adjusted the shot mid air. Rather than hitting a layup, he moved the ball under and made a shot again. The arena cheered for the iconic shot and its execution, while the commentators called it a magic trick on air.

Indiana Pacers domination against Cavaliers

Obi Toppin’s circus finish stole the limelight, but on a deeper level, the Cavaliers’ defense had no answer to the Pacers’ offense. Even during Toppin’s drive, the visitors’ defense stood with barely any effort on tackling the forward. Despite having star players like Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, Cleveland were playing far from their potential.

The home side at one point of the Pacers vs. Cavaliers game had a 40+ lead. Obi Toppin who recreated Dr. J’s iconic layup went on to score 20 points in 21 minutes of action. He also collected five rebounds. It was a coordinated effort from the Pacers due to which they won the Sunday game by 129-109. They also lead the series 3-1.