Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topić made his NBA debut Thursday in a 110-93 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Topić received a standing ovation upon entering the match, his first since being diagnosed with testicular cancer. He had been absent since October while undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
He finished the game with two points, 1 rebound and 1 assist in 12 minutes.
The 20-year-old was assigned to the OKC Blue on Sunday and played in two G League games, averaging 14.5 points and 5.5 assists in two games with the OKC Blue.
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The 6-foot-6 Serbian guard had yet to make his NBA debut since being drafted with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 draft. Topić missed his rookie season and essentially had a redshirt rookie season after one game tearing his ACL before the draft. He played in Summer League and the preseason before his diagnosis this year.
Topić received minutes along with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell on Thursday night. Gilgeous-Alexander and Mitchell missed time with abdominal injuries, while Williams suffers hamstring injury. Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein was also rested during the team’s final game before the All-Star break.
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The defending champions sit atop the West standings at 42-14.
