{"id":616666,"date":"2026-02-21T23:54:13","date_gmt":"2026-02-21T23:54:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/616666\/"},"modified":"2026-02-21T23:54:13","modified_gmt":"2026-02-21T23:54:13","slug":"nikola-topic-looking-confident-in-okc-thunder-lineup-since-return-from-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/616666\/","title":{"rendered":"Nikola Topi\u0107 looking ‘confident’ in OKC Thunder lineup since return from cancer"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nikola Topi\u0107<\/a> surveyed his surroundings as he returned to OKC’s bench.<\/p>\n

The first person he saw was a fired-up Chet Holmgren<\/a>, who walked up to him and pounded his chest. Behind him were the rest of OKC’s players, who excitedly held their right hands up in the air. And behind them were thousands of Thunder fans, who gave a standing ovation.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

It was a well-deserved reception for Topi\u0107 after he sank a layup during the fourth quarter of OKC’s 105-86 win over the Brooklyn Nets<\/a> on Friday. That capped off a five-point scoring burst by him in about three minutes.<\/p>\n

And yet the only nonchalant person inside Paycom Center seemed to be Topi\u0107 himself. He acted as if he’d been there before, even though he hadn’t. This was only the second career NBA game for the 20-year-old guard, who overcame a partially torn ACL in his left knee<\/a> last season and testicular cancer<\/a> earlier this season.<\/p>\n

“No,” Topi\u0107 quickly said with a laugh when asked if he felt as confident as he looked. “No, I was nervous. That’s the one thing I’m good at, hiding emotions and stuff like that. I was pretty nervous, but I looked confident.”<\/p>\n

More: Jared McCain shows bark, bite as OKC Thunder rolls past Brooklyn Nets<\/a><\/p>\n

1 \/ 16<\/p>\n

OKC Thunder vs Brooklyn at Paycom Center, see our top photos<\/p>\n

Oklahoma City center Chet Holmgren (7) goes to the basket as Brooklyn guard Egor Demin (8) and Brooklyn forward Noah Clowney (21) defend during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Brooklyn Nets at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Friday Feb. 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

1 \/ 16<\/p>\n

OKC Thunder vs Brooklyn at Paycom Center, see our top photos<\/p>\n

Oklahoma City center Chet Holmgren (7) goes to the basket as Brooklyn guard Egor Demin (8) and Brooklyn forward Noah Clowney (21) defend during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Brooklyn Nets at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Friday Feb. 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

2 \/ 16<\/p>\n

OKC Thunder vs Brooklyn at Paycom Center, see our top photos<\/p>\n

Oklahoma City guard Aaron Wiggins (21) tries to get by Brooklyn forward Noah Clowney (21) during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Brooklyn Nets at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Friday Feb. 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

3 \/ 16<\/p>\n

OKC Thunder vs Brooklyn at Paycom Center, see our top photos<\/p>\n

Oklahoma City center Chet Holmgren (7) tries to get by Brooklyn guard Nolan Traore (88) during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Brooklyn Nets at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Friday Feb. 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

4 \/ 16<\/p>\n

OKC Thunder vs Brooklyn at Paycom Center, see our top photos<\/p>\n

Oklahoma City guard Cason Wallace (22) drives to the basket as Brooklyn guard Nolan Traore (88) defends during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Brooklyn Nets at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Friday Feb. 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

5 \/ 16<\/p>\n

OKC Thunder vs Brooklyn at Paycom Center, see our top photos<\/p>\n

Oklahoma City guard Cason Wallace (22) drives to the basket as Brooklyn guard Nolan Traore (88) defends during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Brooklyn Nets at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Friday Feb. 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

6 \/ 16<\/p>\n

OKC Thunder vs Brooklyn at Paycom Center, see our top photos<\/p>\n

Oklahoma City center Chet Holmgren (7) dunks the ball during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Brooklyn Nets at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Friday Feb. 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

7 \/ 16<\/p>\n

OKC Thunder vs Brooklyn at Paycom Center, see our top photos<\/p>\n

Oklahoma City guard Kenrich Williams (34) tries to get around Brooklyn guard Drake Powell (4) during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Brooklyn Nets at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Friday Feb. 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

8 \/ 16<\/p>\n

OKC Thunder vs Brooklyn at Paycom Center, see our top photos<\/p>\n

Oklahoma City guard Nikola Topic (44) drives to the basket as Brooklyn forward Jalen Wilson (22) defends during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Brooklyn Nets at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Friday Feb. 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

9 \/ 16<\/p>\n

OKC Thunder vs Brooklyn at Paycom Center, see our top photos<\/p>\n

during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Brooklyn Nets at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Friday Feb. 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

10 \/ 16<\/p>\n

OKC Thunder vs Brooklyn at Paycom Center, see our top photos<\/p>\n

Oklahoma City center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) defends against Brooklyn guard Nolan Traore (88) during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Brooklyn Nets at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Friday Feb. 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

11 \/ 16<\/p>\n

OKC Thunder vs Brooklyn at Paycom Center, see our top photos<\/p>\n

Oklahoma City guard Aaron Wiggins (21) and Brooklyn guard Egor Demin (8) fight for a loose ball during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Brooklyn Nets at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Friday Feb. 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

12 \/ 16<\/p>\n

OKC Thunder vs Brooklyn at Paycom Center, see our top photos<\/p>\n

Oklahoma City center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) blocks the shot of Brooklyn center Day’ron Sharpe (20) during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Brooklyn Nets at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Friday Feb. 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

13 \/ 16<\/p>\n

OKC Thunder vs Brooklyn at Paycom Center, see our top photos<\/p>\n

Oklahoma City guard Cason Wallace (22) defends against Brooklyn guard Nolan Traore (88) during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Brooklyn Nets at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Friday Feb. 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

14 \/ 16<\/p>\n

OKC Thunder vs Brooklyn at Paycom Center, see our top photos<\/p>\n

Brooklyn guard Ochai Agbaji goes to the basket as Oklahoma City guard Kenrich Williams (34) and Isaiah Hartenstein (55) defend during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Brooklyn Nets at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Friday Feb. 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

15 \/ 16<\/p>\n

OKC Thunder vs Brooklyn at Paycom Center, see our top photos<\/p>\n

Oklahoma City guard Alex Caruso (9) fouls Brooklyn forward Noah Clowney (21) during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Brooklyn Nets at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Friday Feb. 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

16 \/ 16<\/p>\n

OKC Thunder vs Brooklyn at Paycom Center, see our top photos<\/p>\n

Oklahoma City guard Alex Caruso (9) argues after a play during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Brooklyn Nets at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Friday Feb. 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

Topi\u0107 has had time to practice his poker face. He first broke it out during his debut game against Milwaukee<\/a> on Feb. 12.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Everyone applauded him when he first checked into the game with 1:55 left in the opening quarter. That even included Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Topi\u0107 calmly tapped his heart before raising his hand to say thanks for the warm welcome. He then recorded his first assist 17 seconds later by finding Jaylin Williams<\/a> for a floater. It’s a play he made look routine despite being the furthest thing from it.<\/p>\n

“That was an awesome moment,” Topi\u0107 said. “I’ll remember that for the rest of my life. Thanks to the fans. For sure, I’ll remember that for the rest of my life.”<\/p>\n

Topi\u0107 chipped in two points, one assist and one rebound on 1-for-3 shooting from the field (0 for 2 from deep) throughout 12 minutes against Milwaukee. And he looked even more composed against Brooklyn, even in high-pressure situations.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

The Nets<\/a> trimmed the deficit to 10 points entering the fourth quarter, and head coach Mark Daigneault<\/a> called Topi\u0107’s number. It only took one minute for him to confidently release a catch-and-shoot 3-pointer that hit its mark.<\/p>\n

OKC then had a broken offensive play with 9:41 left in the game. But Topi\u0107 mended the mistake by applying rim pressure before finding Isaiah Hartenstein<\/a>, who sank a 13-foot floater.<\/p>\n

From getting downhill to expanding his range to swinging the ball around to crashing the glass, Topi\u0107 showed the potential that made OKC select him with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft<\/a>. He finished with an impressive stat line of nine points, three rebounds and two assists on 4-for-6 shooting from the field (1 for 2 from deep) in just 11 minutes off the bench.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was great,” Daigneault said. “He played really well. Obviously, that\u2019s his second NBA game, so to really evaluate him in a context would be unfair. But he\u2019s obviously a really good player. He\u2019s got a really good sense for the game. He goes in there and he acts like he belongs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

More: Nikola Topic’s NBA debut was 600 days in the making after ACL tear, cancer battle<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Oklahoma<\/p>\n

Oklahoma City guard Nikola Topic (44) celebrates with Chet Holmgren (7) during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Brooklyn Nets at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Friday Feb. 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

Blending in is the ultimate compliment for Topi\u0107, whose journey to playing in the NBA is unlike everyone else.<\/p>\n

He’s the only player in league history who won a championship before making his debut. He’s the only one who recovered from a torn ACL only to then be diagnosed with cancer. He’s the only one who had to split time between working on his game and going to multiple chemotherapy treatments.<\/p>\n

Topi\u0107 is also the only one who truly knows all of the struggles that came from that process. And while he’s good at hiding those emotions, he’s quick to express the appreciation he has for a support system that played a huge role in his return to the floor.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

He can confidently say that.<\/p>\n

“It was huge,” Topi\u0107 said. “I’ve got to thank the Thunder organization as a whole. From the players to the coaching staff to the medical staff to the front office, they were so supportive of everything and the whole process. And of course the fans too. I owe them a thank you for life, basically. I’ll remember that for the rest of my life, and I’ll try to say thank you on the court.”<\/p>\n

Justin Martinez covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@oklahoman.com or on X\/Twitter at\u00a0@Justintohoops. Sign up for the\u00a0Thunder Sports Minute newsletter<\/a>\u00a0to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a\u00a0digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Thunder vs. Cavaliers<\/p>\n

TIPOFF:\u00a0Noon Sunday at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City (ABC)<\/p>\n

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Nikola Topi\u0107 has ‘looked confident’ in return from testicular cancer<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Nikola Topi\u0107 surveyed his surroundings as he returned to OKC’s bench. The first person he saw was a…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":616667,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3783],"tags":[7,247,306,366,123,949,1255,6563,102,6,3110,378,310,475,179,3966,3965,312],"class_list":{"0":"post-616666","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-oklahoma-city-thunder","8":"tag-basketball","9":"tag-brooklyn-nets","10":"tag-cavaliers","11":"tag-chet-holmgren","12":"tag-giannis-antetokounmpo","13":"tag-isaiah-hartenstein","14":"tag-jared-mccain","15":"tag-jaylin-williams","16":"tag-milwaukee","17":"tag-nba","18":"tag-nikola-topic","19":"tag-okc","20":"tag-oklahoma","21":"tag-oklahoma-city","22":"tag-oklahoma-city-thunder","23":"tag-oklahomacity","24":"tag-oklahomacitythunder","25":"tag-thunder"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/616666","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=616666"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/616666\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/616667"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=616666"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=616666"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=616666"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}