Nikola Topić makes NBA debut with Thunder months after cancer diagnosis
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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topić made his NBA debut against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night, four months after he was diagnosed with cancer.

The 6-foot-6 Serbian had been unavailable after being diagnosed with testicular cancer in October and undergoing chemotherapy.

He received a standing ovation from the home crowd at Paycom Center after checking into the game with 1:55 left in the first quarter.

Topić was the 12th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft by the Thunder. He played in just one preseason game before having surgery and undergoing chemotherapy.

The amazing story of Nikola Topić.

He was diagnosed with testicular cancer in October last year.

Now, four months later, he receives a standing ovation as he makes his NBA debut. pic.twitter.com/qmM1KRv9GK

— NBA on Prime (@NBAonPrime) February 13, 2026

Topić went 1-for-3 from the field, scoring his first official NBA points, in 12 minutes. He also had a rebound and an assist.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nikola Topic makes NBA debut months after cancer diagnosis



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