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Nikola Topić Makes NBA Debut for Thunder After Cancer Treatment

Short G League stints preceded limited minutes as the team prioritizes conditioning.

Overview

  • Topić played 12 minutes in his first NBA game on Feb. 12, finishing with 2 points, 1 rebound and 1 assist in a 110-93 loss to the Bucks.
  • He entered late in the first quarter to a standing ovation from the Oklahoma City crowd and scored his first points early in the second.
  • Head coach Mark Daigneault said the appearance was about acclimating to game day with minimal performance expectations as Topić rebuilds fitness.
  • The guard logged brief outings with the Oklahoma City Blue earlier in the week, including a 7-point, 7-assist performance.
  • Drafted No. 12 in 2024, Topić missed last season with a torn ACL, then underwent testicular surgery in Oct. 2025 followed by chemotherapy before returning to action.