Dylan Harper is making his presence felt for the San Antonio Spurs. Those who have been following the Spurs know what Harper has been bringing to the table all year. But his Game 1 performance in the Western Conference finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder has highlighted what he is building.
Harper’s Standout Game 1 Performance
It’s one thing for a rookie to provide consistent and steady impact for a playoff team. It’s another to do it for a 62-win team. Producing 24 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists and 7 steals after stepping into the starting lineup with De’Aaron Fox sidelined is particularly impressive. Only two other players have recorded 20+ points, 10+ rebounds, 5+ assists and 5+ steals in the conference finals since 1973-74: Larry Bird and Julius Erving.
Not a bad list for a 20 year old.
Analysing Harper’s Offensive Game
Harper’s offensive impact comes from his ability to stay aggressive within what the Spurs want to do. He can initiate a play or find a crease when a play breaks down. He can run pick-and-roll or find ways to drive gaps when spaced. Harper plays with consistent command offensively, using head fakes, jab steps, and shoulder-to-chest moves.
His drives deliver a level of pace but splice in a change of pace. There’s a rhythm to the footwork, an urgency to find and initiate contact, a delight in getting into the paint. It’s easy at times to forget the size he has as a guard at 6-foot-5, but the film shows you he can hit first, take the contact in return and still work to finish. When he gets downhill, everything opens up.
Aggression and Force Against Oklahoma City
There are many highlights you could take from Harper’s Game 1 performance against OKC. In a tied game in the fourth quarter, Harper had the ball. He drives, works to get in the paint, and the defense converges. He loses the ball, but fights to get it back. When the ball swings back to him, he looks to attack again, loses his balance and the ball, but fights to get it back again and manages to get fouled on a shot attempt. A misshapen possession leads to an opportunity to get free throws.
That’s the hidden part of Harper’s mindset. There’s a level of aggression and force he plays with. And that can open things up against Oklahoma City, which has perimeter defenders and the ability to protect the paint to take things away.
San Antonio really worked to get to double pick-and-rolls in Game 1, trying to attack matchups especially when the Thunder were working to stick with Victor Wembanyama as the screener. Harper’s ability to see the space, turn the corner and finish should not be ignored.
Harper’s Transition Game
Harper is also dangerous in transition. The Spurs’ defense has been their base for a large majority of the season. The ability to consistently get stops allows them to attack in the open court and flow offensively. Harper has continued to grow in those scenarios, finding a knack for attacking defenses.
Game 2 is on Wednesday.