Spurs’ Dylan Harper Shows His Star Power Against Thunder

Can I have your attention, please—will the real Dylan Harper please stand up?

Harper announced himself on the national stage Monday night in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals, helping the San Antonio Spurs defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder.

​The rookie guard had one of the biggest performances of his NBA career. He was poised and confident in a wild playoff environment in Oklahoma City. The Spurs were without De’Aaron Fox in Game 1 and will be without their starting point guard again tonight. Harper controlled the pace offensively for most of the game and delivered several key plays late, helping San Antonio steal a game in Oklahoma City.

​Harper’s confidence really stood out. The former highly touted prospect consistently pressured Oklahoma City’s defense—whether attacking Alex Caruso, using his Euro step to get to the paint or hitting his jumper. He looked comfortable operating and facilitating against one of the NBA’s best defensive teams.

​Late in the fourth quarter and overtime, Harper delivered some of the game’s biggest moments, knocking down clutch shots. It’s impressive considering he was the No. 2 pick out of Rutgers, right behind Cooper Flagg. That raises questions—regardless of whether the Spurs win the championship or lose the series—about Fox’s future, because Harper’s game has already progressed to the point where the team may not need Fox.

​Harper emerged as another dangerous weapon on a team already led by Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs now have Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Harper, making them one of the NBA’s most promising young teams.

​Harper is just getting started and could be one of the defining young stars of this postseason—and for years to come.