Nikola Topic made his Oklahoma City Thunder debut Thursday night, marking a triumphant return after battling testicular cancer. The Serbian guard, selected 12th overall in the 2024 NBA draft, missed all of last season due to a pre-draft knee injury and had not played this season following his cancer diagnosis during the preseason. He underwent surgery in October, then chemotherapy, before working his way back to fitness.

He entered the game late in the first quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks and received a loud ovation from the crowd. He scored his first NBA basket on a jumper near the free throw line early in the second quarter, finishing with two points and one assist in 12 minutes as the Thunder lost 110-93.