Nikola Topic’s Long-Awaited NBA Debut Marks a Powerful Moment for Thunder and Fans Alike
The scoreboard may not have favored the Oklahoma City Thunder on this night, but the story that unfolded at Paycom Center went far beyond the final buzzer.
In a 110-93 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, the Thunder saw their win streak halted, but the night belonged to rookie guard Nikola Topic - and not because of the box score. After a year and a half of setbacks that would test even the most seasoned pro, Topic finally made his NBA debut, and the moment was nothing short of inspiring.
Drafted 12th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Topic was expected to be a key piece of OKC’s long-term puzzle. But before he could even step on an NBA court, he suffered a torn ACL that sidelined him for the entire 2024-25 season. Just as he was nearing a return, life threw another curveball: a testicular cancer diagnosis in October 2025.
Four months of chemotherapy and recovery later, Topic wasn’t just back - he was ready to play.
When he checked into the game against Milwaukee, the crowd at Paycom Center rose to its feet in a thunderous ovation. It wasn’t just a welcome - it was a celebration of resilience, of perseverance, of a young man who refused to let adversity define his journey.
And the moment didn’t stop there.
Topic’s first NBA bucket came on a smooth mid-range jumper, and the reaction from his teammates said it all. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, both sitting out the game, jumped from the bench with uncontained excitement, cheering their rookie on like he’d just hit a game-winner. It was a snapshot of the culture this Thunder team has built - one rooted in support, unity, and belief.
In 12 minutes of action, Topic finished with 2 points, 1 assist, and 1 rebound. Modest numbers, sure, but the significance of those stats can’t be measured in a box score. After everything he’s been through - the injury, the diagnosis, the treatment - just being on the floor was a victory in itself.
As for the game, OKC was without their MVP candidate in Gilgeous-Alexander and the versatile Williams, and it showed early. The Bucks jumped out to a five-point lead in the first quarter and never looked back, controlling the pace and pulling away late. Despite the loss, the Thunder remain firmly atop the Western Conference with a 42-14 record - a testament to the depth and consistency they’ve shown all season.
Next up, they’ll host the Brooklyn Nets back at home, looking to bounce back and continue their push toward postseason dominance.
But no matter what the standings say, February 13, 2026, will be remembered for something far bigger than basketball. It was the night Nikola Topic - after enduring more than any rookie should - finally got his moment. And he made it count.