Nikola Topić Drives OKC Thunder's Summer League Victory Over Pacers

Thunder's Dominance in NBA Summer League Continues

The NBA Finals may have concluded nearly three weeks ago, but the Oklahoma City Thunder seem to be playing as if they're still in the middle of a championship run. In a rematch of last month’s grueling seven-game series, the Thunder delivered a commanding 104-85 victory over the Indiana Pacers at the Cox Pavilion during the NBA Summer League. The performance was reminiscent of a Game 8, with several players stepping up in a big way.

A Balanced Offensive Attack

Chris Youngblood led the charge for the Thunder, scoring a game-high 21 points. He was one of four starters who finished in double digits, showcasing the team's depth and balance. The only starter not to reach double figures was Nikola Topić, who played a crucial role on the court by dishing out 10 assists—the highest total he has recorded so far in the Summer League.

Head coach Connor Johnson praised the team’s approach, stating, "We want to take the best shot for the team, no matter who it is and no matter what else is going on." This philosophy clearly worked, as the Thunder’s balanced scoring reflected their commitment to teamwork.

With the win, the Thunder improved to 2-0 in Las Vegas, setting up an upcoming matchup against Orlando on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. CT.

Key Performances from the Bench

One of the standout performers was Jazian Gortman, who came off the bench to deliver 17 points in just 21 minutes. His ability to score in critical moments was evident when he hit a mid-range shot after a spin move in the first quarter. Gortman’s efficiency was impressive, shooting 8-for-11 from the field and contributing significantly to the team’s early offensive struggles.

Johnson highlighted Gortman’s skills, noting, "He's got a lot of ability in the way he can handle the ball and get in paint." As an undrafted player, Gortman’s performance in the Summer League could open doors for future opportunities.

Nikola Topić Shines with Assist Totals

Nikola Topić continued to showcase his playmaking abilities, recording 10 assists and two steals in the game. His vision on the court was on full display, as seen in a pass that led to a layup by Brooks Barnhizer. Topić emphasized his approach, saying, "I just play and take what the defense gives me."

His contributions were vital to the team’s success, and his performance has drawn attention from fans and analysts alike.

Chris Youngblood Proves His Shooting Ability

Youngblood, who had previously scored 19 points in his first start of the Summer League, continued to impress with 21 points on 7-for-12 shooting from the field and 5-for-8 from beyond the arc. His ability to create space for teammates was noted by Topić, who said, "People can't help as much off him, and that makes our job easier."

Youngblood, currently on an Exhibit 10 deal with the Thunder, has been averaging 20 points through two games, with a high shooting percentage. His performance could lead to more opportunities once the Summer League concludes.

Brooks Barnhizer Steals the Spotlight

Brooks Barnhizer made a significant impact on both ends of the court. His defensive prowess was on full display when he blocked Johnny Furphy’s shot in the fourth quarter. Barnhizer recorded six steals and one block, bringing his total to 13 steals through two games.

On offense, Barnhizer contributed 17 points on 8-for-10 shooting from the field. His dedication to the game was evident, as he stated, "If I just play hard and do right by the game, good things will happen."

What's Next for the Thunder?

The Thunder will continue their Summer League journey with a game against Orlando on Tuesday. This marks the third of a minimum of five games for the team in Las Vegas. Fans can look forward to more exciting performances from the young roster as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Justin Martinez covers sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.