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Is this the end for the Spurs’ backcourt? Dylan Harper outscored De’Aaron Fox
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- Is this the end for the Spurs’ backcourt? Dylan Harper outscored De’Aaron Fox
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Spurs could turn to rookie Dylan Harper over De'Aaron Fox in Game 2 vs. Lakers
De'Aaron Fox had a quiet Game 1, scoring just seven points on 3-of-13 shooting, while rookie Dylan Harper put up 16 points on 6-of-10 in much less time. In a game the Spurs lost by 10, it's a backcourt question that San Antonio takes into Game 2.
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Fox's one-year run with the Spurs hasn't gone as anyone hoped. His numbers have dropped off since leaving Sacramento , averaging just over 13 points and five assists per game while shooting under 35% from three.
With another poor showing in Game 1, questions are starting to surface about his role moving forward. While some blame coach Gregg Popovich for misusing him, Fox hasn't exactly played his way into more minutes either.
The calls for change aren't new — they've been building throughout the season as Fox's fit with the team remains unclear. There are even reports linking him to potential moves away from San Antonio this summer if things don't turn around.
Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images
Is De'Aaron Fox going to be benched for Dylan Harper?
Dylan Harper has made a strong first impression with the Spurs. Drafted sixth overall, he played more than expected after coming off an injury that kept him out of Summer League and much of pre-season.
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Praise for Dylan Harper isn't limited to San Antonio fans; he impressed Team USA selectors earlier this summer when training with them ahead of Olympic play.
Fox missed all four of his three-point attempts, turned the ball over three times, and fouled out, though he did hand out five assists.
Harper, coming off the bench, went 6-for-10 with a three-pointer, eight boards, and a steal. He also became the youngest player to score 10 points in an NBA Finals game — doing it in his first six minutes.
The timing made it stand out even more. San Antonio was up 95-94 with just over two minutes left when New York closed on an 11-0 run to steal Game 1 on its home floor.
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Fox gives Spurs a familiar setup
Fox is a steady presence in the backcourt, and his experience still brings value. He's not asked to be the main scoring threat for the Spurs, but his job is to steady the offence, help ease the load on Castle and Harper, and make sure Wembanyama has room to operate.
His five assists in Game 1 are exactly what was expected from him this series. But when Fox can't knock down shots, New York will play off him without worrying about getting punished, just like we saw when he went 3-for-13 in Game 1.
Harper's 16 points were just behind Wembanyama's 26 and Castle's 17, matching Champagnie on the night. He made an impact by getting downhill before the Knicks could load up in the paint, playing the role he has taken on as the Spurs' effective sixth starter throughout these playoffs.
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As noted by Sports Illustrated after Game 1: "It's O.K. for the Spurs to admit Harper should be playing more than their veteran point guard."
Mitch Johnson could adjust on the fly without changing the starting five, using Fox as an organiser but giving Harper more minutes when his scoring is needed.
The Spurs lost home-court advantage in Game 1, and Friday's matchup will tell us whether Johnson sees that result as just a poor shooting night or a sign that change is needed.
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