Key Highlights
- Dylan Harper has the highest plus/minus on the team (+10.7).
- Harper’s performance in Game 3 was crucial, scoring 27 points with 22 coming in the second half.
- The Spurs’ youth is turning into a significant advantage in their playoff run.
- Victor Wembanyama’s statement about not caring about the narrative of being too young reflects the team’s defiance.
Harper’s Surprising Rise to Stardom
You might think this is new, but Dylan Harper has been quietly becoming a star in San Antonio. At 21 years old, he’s already providing one hell of a boost for the Spurs. His plus/minus rating (+10.7) is the highest on the team and even higher than Victor Wembanyama’s (+10.3). With a seventh-highest overall plus/minus in the playoffs (minimum 25 minutes, five games played), Harper is doing it in just 26 minutes per night.
The Defiant Youth
And yet, this isn’t about Harper alone. The Spurs as a team are proving that youth can be a weapon. When Wembanyama was asked if the team’s Game 2 victory over Minnesota meant anything to the narrative of being too young, he said, “It says that we don’t care.” That’s very poignant. Harper is just one example of how the team isn’t backing down from expectations.
Harper’s Role and Impact
But it’s not just about Harper. The ex-Rutgers star has been providing a steady hand since the series began. When his team needed him, he took over in Game 3 with 27 points, most of which came in the second half.
His ability to do that consistently is key for the Spurs. He’s understanding his role and not demanding more than what’s expected of him. This willingness to stay inside his part without taking over every possession is a crucial reason why the Spurs are so dangerous.
Lessons from Wembanyama
Seeing Wemby slam his head on that Frost Bank Center floor, then having to go through concussion protocol, wasn’t ideal for the team. They lost Game 3 in Portland with a large lead in the second half. However, Harper’s performance showed that they’re checking all the boxes and conquering each step of adversity they encounter. It’s not always easy, but the Spurs are handling it with maturity.
Conclusion
The Spurs’ response to Minnesota was as mature as it gets. Veteran ball clubs show up and reassert themselves like that, but the Silver and Black have the benefit of extremely spry legs with peak athleticism to run roughshod over their opponents for 48 minutes. They’re doing everything right on the court, and the writing is on the wall—these kids are here to stay.
