Nikola Topić looks back on the “incredible” victory after the cancer diagnosis

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City Thunder Rookie Nikola Topic addressed the NBA media for the first time since he was diagnosed with cancer. Topic made his NBA debut with a 105-86 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks before the All-Star break last week. It was an emotional moment for Nikola, who received a standing ovation at the Pejko Center.

After helping the Thunder secure a 105-86 victory against the Brooklyn Nets, Topic, playing in his first two NBA game, he talked about what it was like during his first media availability after the game on Friday.

“A great moment. I will remember that for the rest of my life – thanks to the fans,” said Topić. “For sure, I’ll remember that for the rest of my life.”

Nikola Topic receives a standing ovation as he enters the first NBA game of his career.

He also gets an assist on a nice pass by Jaylin Williams for an easy ball. Topic got off to a great start pic.tvitter.com/oJkrKSDkPKT

— Joshua Peacock (@Joe_Sway) February 13, 2026

Topic admits that returning to the game after such a long absence seemed strange. However, he was able to put his emotions aside shortly after reporting to the first NBA game of his career.

“In the beginning it was quite strange. I’m getting the feeling for the game again,” added Topić. “I’ve been out for a while. It’s been so weird coming back. I’ve been catching myself doing things I’ve never done before. It’s been pretty hard to adjust to it, but every game has been better. First game in the G League. Second game was better. First game here was OK. Second game was better. But I think it’s only going to get better.”

Nikola Topić thanks the Thunder fans for the ovation in his NBA debut:

“I will remember that for the rest of my life” pic.twitter.com/N8kkKELZoc

— Joshua Peacock (@Joe_Sway) February 21, 2026

Topic finished with nine points on 4-for-6 shooting, including 1-of-2 from deep, three rebounds and two assists in 11 minutes. He helped keep the Nets at bay throughout the second half, especially early in the fourth quarter when Topic had five points and one assist in less than two minutes to give Oklahoma City a 16-point lead.

Chet Holmgren keeps 100 on Thunder’s Nikola Topic

All-Star Chet Holmgren reacted to Nikola Topic’s Thunder debut praising the novice for his bravery. While Holmgren missed his entire rookie season with the injury, similar to Topic’s ACL repair that sidelined him for the entire 2024-25 campaign, Chet couldn’t begin to relate to Nicole’s testicular cancer diagnosis in October.

Holmgren shared an honest look at Topic’s return to basketball.

“Anybody who fights cancer is fighting for their life. I could never understand what that’s like. It just speaks to (Topic’s) strength and who he is as a person,” Holmgren said. “It would be very justified for everyone around him to sulk and sulk and be angry at the world for being a kid, he doesn’t deserve that. We’re all so happy that he’s been able to deal with that, to get back on the hoop.

“You see a much bigger smile on his face when he’s able to be out there with his shoes on. I thought he had a really good game tonight. He could have made 100 shots or missed 100 shots tonight; it was an amazing game for him. To be able to go out there, get some reps, and now, he can learn from him, we can also learn from him.”

Topic will play in the third game of his NBA career when the Thunder host the Cavs at the Payko Center on Sunday.