Thunder prospect Nikola Topic shines in second game since cancer diagnosis

Topic led the Oklahoma City Blue to victory in only his second game in the G League since his cancer diagnosis.

Feb. 11, 2026 at 3:39pm

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Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Nikola Topic had an impressive performance in his second game with the G League's Oklahoma City Blue, scoring 22 points with 4 three-pointers to lead his team to a 127-118 victory over the Sioux Falls Skyforce. This comes just months after Topic was diagnosed with testicular cancer in October.

Why it matters

Topic's quick return to the court and dominant showing is an inspiring story of resilience and determination after overcoming a serious health challenge. His performance highlights the Thunder's strong player development system and the team's commitment to supporting their young talent.

The details

In his second G League game, Topic finished with 22 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including 4-of-7 from three-point range, along with 4 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block in 20 minutes of play. Blue head coach Daniel Dixon praised Topic's toughness and resilience, saying "He's just very tough, I think, mentally. So, you're seeing him battle through different things."

  • Topic was diagnosed with testicular cancer in October 2025.
  • Topic made his G League debut on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • Topic had his standout performance in the Blue's second game on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Nikola Topic

A rookie with the Oklahoma City Thunder who was recently diagnosed with testicular cancer but has quickly returned to the court and is shining in the G League.

Daniel Dixon

The head coach of the Oklahoma City Blue, the Thunder's G League affiliate.

Mark Daigneault

The head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who praised Topic's resilience and mental toughness in returning to basketball after his cancer diagnosis.

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What they’re saying

“A ton of resilience from him. He's just very tough, I think, mentally. So, you're seeing him battle through different things. Tonight was just another example of that.”

— Daniel Dixon, Head Coach, Oklahoma City Blue

“Great accomplishment. Can't say enough about him as a guy. His mental toughness, maturity, resilience. And to think of where he's been — he sat out with an ACL last year — he hasn't played a lot of basketball over the last two years. And he comes off a one-year rehab and immediately has a very surprising diagnosis, and goes through chemotherapy — three rounds of it.”

— Mark Daigneault, Head Coach, Oklahoma City Thunder

What’s next

The Oklahoma City Thunder will face the Phoenix Suns on the road on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.

The takeaway

Nikola Topic's inspiring comeback from testicular cancer to shine in the G League highlights the mental toughness and resilience of young athletes, as well as the strong player development system of the Oklahoma City Thunder organization.