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'It Was Pretty Weird' – Oklahoma City Thunder Guard Breaks Silence on His Basketball Return After Overcoming Cancer Battle

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Feb 21, 2026 10:31 AM ET

Nikola Topic made the most of his limited minutes in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 105-86 home victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night, as he contributed nine points, three rebounds, and two assists on 4-for-6 shooting from the field in 11 minutes off the bench.

After the game, the Serbian guard used the opportunity in the postgame presser to thank the Oklahoma City Thunder organization for their support during his battle with cancer.

“It was huge. Obviously, I gotta thank the Thunder organization as a whole. From the players to the coaching staff, the medical staff to the front office. They’re so supportive of everything and the whole process. Of course, the fans too. I’ll remember that for the rest of my life,” Topic stated via Clemente Almanza of the Thunder Wire. “It was pretty weird at first. I’m kinda getting back the feel of the game again. It was pretty tough to adjust to that. But every game is getting better. I think it’ll only get better,” he continued.

Oklahoma City Thunder News: Jared McCain shines in reserve role in win vs. Brooklyn Nets

Oklahoma City Thunder newcomer Jared McCain had to shoulder a bigger offensive load without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen), Jalen Williams (hamstring), and Ajay Mitchell (abdomen), and the former Philadelphia 76ers guard finished with 21 points (team-high) and four rebounds on 7-for-12 shooting from the field in 23 minutes off the bench.

“I’m very comfortable with everybody now. They welcomed me. I’m just super thankful to be in this organization. It’s truly a blessing to come here and be able to have people who have succeeded at the highest level of basketball and still give me confidence,” McCain stated in his postgame presser.

McCain was the Oklahoma City Thunder’s marquee acquisition during the trade deadline, as they acquired him from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for several future draft picks.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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