Mark Daigneault holds 100 on Nikola Topic’s G League debut

ByNBAUSA


Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault praised This week marks the debut of newcomer Nikola Topić in the G Leaguealmost four months removed from a testicular cancer diagnosis. The Thunder assigned Topic to the Oklahoma City Blue, OKC’s G League affiliate, ahead of Monday night’s game against the Sioux Falls Skyforce.

Topic finished with seven points on 3-of-5 shooting, seven assists and one rebound in 16 minutes in a 137-135 overtime victory. Daigneault, in the middle of the Thunder’s two-game road trip, reacted to Topic debuted for the Blues, according to Justin Martinez of the Oklahoman.

“A big accomplishment,” Daigneault said. “I can’t say enough about him as a guy. His mental toughness, his maturity, his resiliency. And when I think about where he’s been — he had an ACL last year — he hasn’t played much basketball in the last two years. And he goes to rehab for a year and immediately has a very surprising diagnosis, and he goes through a cycle of chemotherapy — three.

“So for him to be back on the field is just an incredible accomplishment, like I said. And we’re just incredibly happy for him. His teammates have been very supportive throughout this process.”

For Thunder coach Marc Daigneault, it’s an exciting time to see Topik playing again.

“We’re all collectively thrilled that he’s back in basketball. I know he’s missed it a lot,” Daigneault added. “And this is so good for him, mentally. We’re not evaluating performances right now. It’s just a huge accomplishment that he’s out there right now.”

Although the Thunder assigned Topic to its G League affiliate, Blue head coach Daniel Dixon says the organization’s long-term plans will remain in-house, including minutes limits and whether its potential guard will rejoin the Thunder anytime soon.

Topic played in one Thunder preseason game against the Charlotte Hornets before being diagnosed with cancer.

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

Nikola Topic stands with Thunder general manager Sam Presti during the opening press conference for the Thunder's 2024 draft picks at the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center in Oklahoma City
SARA PHIPPS/The OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK

Thunder general manager Sam Presti showed his support for the 2024 No. 12 pick by attending Nikola Topic’s G League debut on Monday. Before Thunder head coach Mark Deno reacted to Nicole’s G League debut, Blues head coach Daniel Dixon shared a candid response to Topic’s debut during his media availability after the game.

“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.”

Dixon added that Topic had spent so much time with his Blue teammates before Monday’s game and his presence helped make his debut easier.

“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 followed his debut performance by leading the Blues to a 127-118 victory with 22 points, including four 3-pointers, four assists and two steals against the Skyforce on back-to-back nights at the Pike Center.





2026-02-11 19:15:00

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