Thunder rookie Nikola Topic returns from cancer diagnosis to make NBA debut
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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic played in his first NBA game on Feb. 13, 2026, completing a comeback that began with a testicular cancer diagnosis earlier in the season.
The team had previously announced the diagnosis, and Topic stepped away from basketball to undergo treatment. The 19-year-old was later cleared to resume full basketball activities and was activated ahead of Friday’s contest, according to the New York Post report.
Topic checked in during the first half, marking the culmination of his recovery and return to professional play. Specific game statistics were not immediately available.
Source: New York Post
