OKC Thunder Rookie Nikola Topić Records Double-Double in First NBA Start

The Serbian guard showcased his playmaking skills in extended minutes against the Denver Nuggets.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:10pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the dynamic movement and energy of a basketball player driving to the hoop, capturing the raw athleticism and potential of a young NBA player.A rookie's breakout performance showcases the Thunder's promising future.Oklahoma City Today

With the Oklahoma City Thunder resting their key players, rookie guard Nikola Topić made his first NBA start and recorded a double-double with 14 points, 11 assists, 4 steals and 8 turnovers in a 127-107 loss to the Denver Nuggets. Topić, a potential top-5 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has had a challenging path to the league after tearing his ACL and being diagnosed with cancer, but has shown flashes of his playmaking ability in limited NBA action and in the G League this season.

Why it matters

Topić's performance in his first NBA start provides a glimpse into the potential of the Thunder's 2024 lottery pick, who has faced significant health obstacles early in his professional career. As the Thunder continue to develop their young core, Topić's development will be an important storyline to follow.

The details

With the Thunder resting their starters, Topić made the most of his first NBA start, showcasing his passing skills and 3-point shooting. While he struggled with turnovers, the 20-year-old guard finished with 14 points, 11 assists, 4 steals and 8 turnovers, shooting 6-of-12 from the field and 2-of-3 from 3-point range. Topić, who was selected 12th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, missed his entire rookie season due to a torn ACL and was later diagnosed with cancer, but has shown promise in limited NBA action and in the G League, where he averaged 18.4 points, 7.8 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game this season.

  • Topić made his first NBA start on April 10, 2026.
  • Topić missed the entire 2024-25 season due to a torn ACL.
  • Topić was diagnosed with cancer after being selected 12th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft.

The players

Nikola Topić

A 20-year-old Serbian guard who was selected 12th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2024 NBA Draft. Topić missed his entire rookie season due to a torn ACL and was later diagnosed with cancer, but has shown promise in limited NBA action and in the G League this season.

Mark Daigneault

The head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who elected to rest the team's key players against the Denver Nuggets, allowing Topić and other Thunder rookies to see extended playing time.

Brooks Barnhizer

A Thunder rookie who tallied 14 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals in 33 minutes against the Nuggets.

Payton Sandfort

An undrafted Thunder rookie on a two-way contract who finished with 8 points and 4 rebounds in 28 minutes against the Nuggets.

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What’s next

As Topić continues to recover from his injuries and gain experience at the NBA level, he will look to earn a larger role with the Thunder next season and build on the promising flashes he has shown in limited action.

The takeaway

Topić's performance in his first NBA start, despite the turnovers, demonstrates the potential of the Thunder's 2024 lottery pick, who has overcome significant health challenges early in his career. His development will be an important storyline to follow as the Thunder continue to build around their young core.