By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Moving from the Salt Lake City Summer League and the introduction of promising prospect Nikola Topic, the Oklahoma City Thunder started the NBA 2K26 Summer League with a 90-81 victory versus the Brooklyn Nets in Las Vegas’ Thomas & Mack Center.
Belgian Ajay Mitchell recorded a game-high 20 points with 6/13 field goals, plus five rebounds, two steals, two assists, and one block. Serbian Nikola Topic added 18 points to go with six assists, four rebounds, and one steal.
“It’s never easy to have that type of injury and get back. I think he’s been great,” 23-year-old Mitchell praised his teammate and recovery from surgery on his torn ACL.
“I feel good now. It was a little bit rough at the beginning, especially that back-to-back. It was pretty weird,” Topic replied to a question about finding rhythm after spending the entire 2024-25 season on the sidelines.
Beyond the Summer League, the European combination can also emerge in the second unit of the Thunder during the upcoming NBA Regular Season.
“Easy,” Topic rated playing alongside Mitchell, “He’s a great player, especially at point guard. He can bring the ball up. He can play off the catch. He can play pick and roll. He’s really a great player.”
“It’s our first time playing together. So, it’s awesome to learn how to play with him and learn his game very well. It’s a great experience for me. I love it,” added Mitchell.
“His IQ,” he also replied to a question about what has impressed him most, “The way he can find guys. The way he plays at his own pace. I think it’s rare to see that at a young age like that.”
Before being drafted by the Thunder with the 12th overall pick, Topic had a solid professional run with Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet, combined with multiple loan assignments. In addition to developing his talents, he matured in facing more experienced opponents.
“They prepared me in a way to think differently, to always think two steps ahead. I would just say to outsmart my opponent,” he talked about using this experience in the Summer League and eventually in the NBA.
Dutch Malevy Leons also started for the Thunder on Thursday. On the opposite end, French Nolan Traore, British Tosan Evbuomwan, Israeli Danny Wolf, and Russian Egor Demin started for the Nets, with Israeli Ben Saraf coming off the bench.
In more Summer League action, German Tristan da Silva registered a game-high 19 points as the Orlando Magic fell to the Sacramento Kings, 84-81, in Pavilion.
Photo Credit: YouTube