The G League coach gave an ’emotional’ response to Nikola Topić’s debut

Oklahoma. and home – Oklahoma City Thunder the promising Nikola Topić made his debut in the G League at the Pike Center, leading to an emotional response from coach Daniel Dixon. Topic underwent surgery amid testicular cancer Diagnosis in October. The Thunder announced Nicole’s G League commitment with the Blues, Oklahoma City’s G League affiliate.

After the game, coach Dixon addressed Topic a bold debut after a 137-135 win over the Sioux Falls Skyforce for the Blues.

“It was great. There were probably a lot of emotions for him that he was going through. It can’t be easy to have something that you’ve loved from a young age taken away from you,” Dixon said. “Just to see his resilience and to know that the whole organization is behind him — we’re pushing him forward — I’m really proud of him. Just seeing him smile back on the field.”

“Doing what he enjoys, doing what he loves to do, being out there with his teammates. There were so many positives just from him getting on the floor, getting between those lines and competing. He did a really good job.”

Daniel Deacon expressed his admiration for Topic following the Thunder prospect’s cancer diagnosis.

“One of the best things he’s done over the past few days is implement himself into the group, and he’s done a really good job of that,” Dixon added. “Getting to know the guys. He was willing to do anything and everything, and I think that just speaks to who he is as a person. I have a lot of respect for him. Just the way he fought tonight.”

Topic finished with seven points on 3-for-5 shooting, including 1-for-2 from deep, seven assists and one rebound in 16 minutes of the Blues’ 137-135 overtime victory. While Dixon had plenty of good things to say about Topic, he wouldn’t share the team’s plans regarding Nikola’s time in the G League or if Topic is on a minutes restriction.

The Thunder organization will keep those plans in-house with Topic.

Thunder rookie Brooks Barnheiser excited for Nikola Topic

Thunder rookie Brooks Barnheiser spent plenty of time with Nikola Topic from summer league play to performing for Nicole’s G League debut with the Blues. After scoring the game-winning goal in overtime, Barnheiser talked about Topic’s influence.

“I’ve been (Tema) a lot with summer league, being the young guys, being (together) the last few weeks, stepping up workouts and stuff,” Barnheiser said. “It’s so cool to see him not only being able to come out and be himself, but the attitude about it, joking around on the bench. You could tell he was very excited to play basketball. I think that just rubbed off on the guys tonight.

“Everybody had a lot of fun just playing with him. He gets a lot of people hit easy. He’s just a great kid.”

Barnheiser finished with 25 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three steals.