Thunder under league review for player absences against Spurs
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The NBA is examining whether the Oklahoma City Thunder violated the league’s Player Participation Policy after several regulars sat out a nationally televised game against the San Antonio Spurs last Wednesday, according to The Athletic’s Dan Woike.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, Luguentz Dort, and Alex Caruso all missed the road contest one night after taking the floor in Orlando. Except for Gilgeous-Alexander, who remains sidelined by an abdominal strain, every player returned for Saturday’s game. The policy generally encourages teams to rest players during non-nationally televised matchups in back-to-back sets; however, only Gilgeous-Alexander meets the league’s “star” designation, and Sports Illustrated’s Rylan Stiles reported that each absence was tied to a legitimate health issue. The league’s review will determine whether any action is needed.
Nikola Topic returns to game action
Guard Nikola Topic, who missed the entire 2024-25 season with a torn ACL and later underwent treatment for testicular cancer, made his G League debut Monday with the Oklahoma City Blue. The 20-year-old Serbian logged seven points and seven assists in 16 minutes off the bench. Head coach Mark Daigneault called the appearance “an unbelievable accomplishment” given Topic’s two-year ordeal.
Jalen Williams shines in comeback
Forward Jalen Williams scored 23 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, in Friday’s 119-110 road victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. It was his first game after a 10-contest absence caused by a hamstring strain. Daigneault said Williams “slammed the door” on the win and praised his impact.
Buddy Boeheim secures two-year two-way deal
Buddy Boeheim’s newly signed two-way contract spans two seasons, filling the opening that arose when Chris Youngblood was waived upon reaching his 50-game limit, according to salary-cap analyst Keith Smith.
Source: Hoops Rumors
