Harper’s 27 sparks Spurs’ comeback without Wembanyama in Game 3
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PORTLAND, Ore. — Rookie guard Dylan Harper poured in 27 points off the bench Friday night, powering the San Antonio Spurs to a 120-108 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 3 of their first-round series. The win gives San Antonio a 2-1 edge despite the absence of Victor Wembanyama, who remains in the league’s concussion protocol after a Game 2 injury.
Harper, 20, delivered 22 of his points after halftime and added 10 rebounds, becoming the youngest player ever to record at least 25 points as a reserve in a postseason contest. He teamed with second-year guard Stephon Castle, who finished with a game-high 33 points and five assists, to erase a 15-point third-quarter deficit.
The pair are only the second set of teammates age 21 or younger to score 25 or more in the same playoff game, joining Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook (2010). Castle, 21, also set a franchise record as the youngest Spur to post at least 30 points and five assists in the postseason.
San Antonio’s decisive 18-3 run in the third period tied the game at 85 when Harper hit two free throws. The left-handed guard went 3-for-4 from the field and 5-for-5 at the line in the quarter, adding an assist, a steal and a block.
Portland’s backcourt kept the contest tight. Jrue Holiday logged 29 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Scoot Henderson scored 21. Spurs veteran De’Aaron Fox chipped in 18 points and six assists after a slow start.
Head coach Mitch Johnson credited his team’s persistence. “We kept working the game,” Johnson said. “The spacing got better, we let the ball breathe, and we just stayed with it.”
Harper, mentored by Spurs legend Manu Ginóbili, said the Hall of Famer’s advice about impacting the game in any role has been crucial. “It’s next game up,” Harper noted. “If you have a bad game, once you get out of the shower, it’s the next game.”
The series resumes with Game 4 on Sunday in Portland.
Source: ESPN
