TITLE: Rookie Dylan Harper Shines in First Start as Spurs Manage Injuries, Eye Playoff Push
SLUG: rookie-dylan-harper-shines-in-first-start-as-spurs-manage-injuries-eye-playoff-push
CONTENT:
San Antonio rookie guard Dylan Harper delivered 24 points on 9-of-13 shooting in his first NBA start Saturday night, helping the Spurs defeat the Indiana Pacers. The No. 2 overall pick from last year added four rebounds, three assists and committed no turnovers in 28 minutes, filling in after Devin Vassell was scratched with right-hamstring soreness and fellow guard Stephon Castle missed a second straight game with right-hip tightness.
Head coach Mitch Johnson applauded Harper’s production while noting areas for improvement. “I think he can be sharper,” Johnson said. “Transition defense is the big thing. His upside and path is whatever he wants it to be.” Harper, who turned 20 earlier this month, acknowledged pre-game nerves but said he welcomed the opportunity on a team he called “the best in the NBA.” San Antonio sits second in the Western Conference.
Injury Updates
Johnson said the club has no long-term concerns about Vassell’s hamstring, emphasizing that the late decision was “super mindful” with the postseason approaching. The coach expressed similar confidence regarding Castle’s hip and suggested additional veterans could receive rest days down the stretch.
Sixth-Man Consideration for Keldon Johnson
Keldon Johnson continued to build a potential Sixth Man of the Year résumé, contributing 24 points on 10-of-12 shooting, four rebounds and four assists in 25 minutes off the bench Saturday. The sixth-year forward has paced San Antonio in scoring five times this season and has yet to miss a game in 2025-26.
Coach–Star Dynamic
Jeff McDonald of The San Antonio Express-News detailed the evolving partnership between Mitch Johnson and center Victor Wembanyama, who has entered the late-season MVP conversation with dominant two-way play. Johnson previously assisted Wembanyama with pre-game warmups but relinquished that role after being elevated to full-time head coach. “There’s a level of accountability I have to hold him to,” Johnson said. “When you build trust with someone, it allows you to push them in ways deeper than just a coach talking to a player.”
San Antonio returns to action this week looking to preserve its standing near the top of the West while keeping key contributors healthy for the playoffs.
Source: Hoops Rumors
