The San Antonio Spurs are on the verge of reaching the NBA Finals, needing one more win against the defending-champion Oklahoma City in a Game 7 clash.
Early-career players Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle have played leading roles in the Spurs’ journey to this point.
Harper’s Impact During Debut Season
Dylan Harper, drafted second overall, has lived up to expectations during his debut season. Throughout the regular season, Harper averaged 11.8 points on 51% shooting, with 3.9 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game. He played alongside Castle and De’Aaron Fox.
Now, he’s hit another gear entirely.
Stepping Up in Crucial Moments
With Fox absent in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, Harper elevated his performance, contributing 24 points, 11 rebounds, seven steals and six assists. The Spurs secured a seven-point victory in double-overtime, a game they might not have won without Harper’s contribution.
After middling production in the middle of the series, Harper returned with 18 points on 67% shooting in Game 6, which the Spurs won decisively.
Harper’s Key Role in Spurs’ Victories
Harper has been crucial in two of the Spurs’ three wins. If they want to continue their season, he’ll have to be stellar on the road yet again.
Oklahoma City has struggled to contain Harper’s ability to create via strength. Luguetnz Dort hasn’t been able to add an offensive punch, and players like Jared McCain, Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso and even Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have been unable to completely keep Harper out of the paint.
Even with a few so-so games, Harper is still seeing ridiculous production for a rookie. It’s not often rookies are even able to see the floor in the postseason, much star in several of the games.
The Thunder and Spurs tip off at 7 p.m. CT tonight from Oklahoma City, OK. The winner will take on the Knicks, starting with Game 1 on Wednesday, June 3.
Harper’s proved himself a future star, but could already cement himself as a Year 1 outlier with a star outing tonight.