Harper Shines as Spurs Debut Full Backcourt; Wembanyama to Miss NBA Cup Quarterfinal
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No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper put up 22 points and six assists Monday night, helping the San Antonio Spurs edge the New Orleans Pelicans by three in the first game this season that featured Harper, De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle all available.
Harper’s performance came two days after he went 1-for-11 in Cleveland, and teammates took note of the quick rebound.
“He has so much skill and maturity to his game,” Fox said. “You’re not going to play well in every single game. It would be asinine to think that.”
Castle shakes off rust
Castle, returning from a three-week absence with a hip injury, shot 5-for-15 and committed three turnovers in 23 minutes. Fox added 14 points on 4-of-11 shooting and had four turnovers as the trio combined for 54 points and 18 assists.
“I’m trying to get adjusted to the game,” Castle said. “Having a little three-week break, I’m trying to get back in rhythm.”
Harper expects the group to click soon. “This is just a little sample size of what you’re going to see,” the 19-year-old said. “When [Castle] really gets back into the groove of things, we’re going to be scary.”
Wembanyama not ready yet
Head coach Mitch Johnson said star center Victor Wembanyama is progressing from the calf strain that has sidelined him since Nov. 14, but the rookie is ruled out for Wednesday’s NBA Cup quarterfinal against the Los Angeles Lakers. Johnson noted the team will not accelerate the timeline for the tournament game.
Veteran voices steady young roster
While Harper, Castle and Wembanyama headline a core in its early 20s, veterans Harrison Barnes, Kelly Olynyk and Bismack Biyombo provide balance in the locker room. “At times, the older ones are barking at the younger ones like older dogs do puppies,” Johnson said. “Sometimes, you have this electric energy from these young guys. It’s a good balance.”
The Spurs return to action Wednesday in Los Angeles with a berth in the NBA Cup semifinals on the line.
Source: Hoops Rumors
