With rookie star Victor Wembanyama sidelined by a concussion, San Antonio relied on its other prospects to carry the load in Friday’s Game 3 against Portland, and the group responded with several record-setting performances.
Dylan Harper came off the bench for 27 points and 10 rebounds, becoming the youngest player ever to score at least 25 points as a reserve in a playoff game and the youngest guard to post a postseason double-double. The 19-year-old credited Spurs icon Manu Ginóbili for helping him prepare. “This is the biggest stage of basketball you could ever get to,” Harper said.
Fellow 21-and-under guard Stephon Castle delivered a game-high 33 points and five assists. According to league records, Harper and Castle are the first duo age 21 or younger to each reach 25 points in a playoff contest since Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook did so in 2010.
Other Spurs contributions
• Rookie Carter Bryant, used as a small-ball center, turned the momentum with a step-back three-pointer late in the third quarter. Head coach Mitch Johnson said Bryant’s impact was “just as loud” as Harper’s, noting the forward’s subsequent defensive effort in limiting Blazers star Deni Avdija for nearly 10 minutes. “They’re living with me shooting that shot,” Bryant said. “I work too hard not to trust it.”
• Newly crowned Sixth Man of the Year Keldon Johnson has yet to reach double figures in the series but remained upbeat. “Every game is different in the playoffs,” he said. “As long as we’re winning, that’s the most important thing. I’ll find my rhythm as we go.”
• Veteran center Luke Kornet filled in for Wembanyama, matching or setting playoff bests with 14 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and 30 minutes. He also blocked two shots and hit his first three-pointer in two seasons. “It’s fun to shoot one. Fun to make it. Fun to get the win,” Kornet said. Johnson added that Kornet has been “tremendous” whenever called upon this year.
San Antonio now leads the best-of-seven series 2-1, with Game 4 set for Sunday at Frost Bank Center.
Source: Hoops Rumors
