Serbian basketball player Nikola Topić delivered an excellent performance in his first game in front of home fans in Oklahoma, showing the kind of potential and talent he possesses.
In 11 minutes on the court, he scored nine points along with three rebounds and two assists in Oklahoma’s 105–86 victory over Brooklyn.
The Serbian point guard went through the most difficult period of his life — defeating testicular cancer, after previously recovering from a serious knee ligament injury — and after a break of nearly two years, he is back on the court, showing why Oklahoma selected him as the 10th overall pick in the NBA Draft two years ago.
He also spoke to reporters for the first time following an Oklahoma NBA game.
What were these last two games like for you, considering it was not only your first time on the court in Oklahoma, but you were also an important factor in the victory?
“At the beginning, it felt pretty strange. I’m slowly getting my feel for the game back. I was away from the court for some time and it was really unusual to return. I caught myself doing things I had never done before. It was quite difficult to adjust, but every game has been better. The first one in the G League, the second was better. The first one here was okay, the second better. I think it will only keep improving.”
Against Milwaukee, you received a standing ovation when you entered the game and recorded an assist on your very first possession. You come with the reputation of a playmaker — what do you remember from that moment and how did you feel?
“That was an incredible moment. I will remember it for the rest of my life thanks to the fans. I’ll definitely remember it forever. It was amazing. As for the assist… I drove to the basket, I think Bobby Portis was guarding me, and I simply read the situation. As always, I try to make the right decisions and read the defense. Jagger was open, I passed him the ball and luckily he made the shot — and that was it.”
Tonight you were part of two crucial runs that secured the win. What worked during those moments and helped you create the difference?
“I think we played really good defense. We rebounded well, which allowed us to run in transition where we were excellent. Then we got good shots and shared the ball. It was pretty simple. When we move the ball, attack the paint, rebound and run, it’s really easy to play with these guys.”
How important was the support from your teammates and the entire organization during this two-year process?
“A lot, of course. I have to thank the entire Thunder organization — from the players and coaching staff to the medical team and management. Everyone was a huge support throughout the whole process. And of course the fans. I’ll be grateful for that for the rest of my life. I’ll remember it forever and try to repay them on the court.”
You mentioned during the Summer League that you learned a lot about yourself while recovering from your ACL injury. What did you learn about yourself during this latest process?
“I think I learned a lot about myself again. The situation was quite unusual, so you learn a lot about your body and how it reacts to different things. It was encouraging to see that, and I’m very grateful to be standing here now talking to you. I’d say that’s the most important thing.”
Can you talk about the ‘invisible work’ you put in to stay ready for basketball while going through chemotherapy?
“I tried to stay as ready as possible. I trained as much as I could because it made me feel better — that was the only reason. There are studies showing that training during therapy can help, and it definitely helped me.”
It’s only your second game, yet you looked very confident. Did you feel as confident as you appeared?
“No. I was nervous. It seems that one of my strengths is hiding emotions. I was quite nervous, but I looked confident.”
What has been the hardest part? You practically didn’t play for several years, and this is only your second NBA game. What is the biggest obstacle?
“I’d say the physicality. It’s very different compared to European basketball and the Summer League I played in. I think that’s the biggest thing I’ll need to adjust to,” Nikola Topić concluded.
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Source: Telegraf, Foto: Youtube/OKC