SAN ANTONIO — Dylan Harper’s NBA Experience
Dylan Harper is too young to have seen the Knicks compete in the NBA Finals.
Reflecting on the Spurs’ recent triumph over the Thunder in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals, Harper expressed his excitement, saying, “I went to many Knicks playoff games. I live about 25 or 30 minutes from the arena…it’s truly a dream come true.” He had always aspired to play at Madison Square Garden during the Finals, and now he could say he did it in his first year. “I won’t take anything for granted,” he added.
As the No. 2 overall pick from last year’s NBA Draft and a member of the All-Rookie First Team, Harper previously led Don Bosco Prep to a state title just two years ago.
Last season, he teamed up with Bailey, bringing in a top recruiting class at Rutgers, yet they couldn’t manage a winning record, finishing at 15-17.
“I would have thought you were crazy last year if you had told me this,” he remarked. “You go through a lot to reach a moment like this.”
The 6-foot-5 guard’s contribution was significant, especially in helping the Spurs become the first team in 12 years to reach the NBA Finals without a prior playoff appearance. In his rookie postseason, he showcased impressive performance, boasting a true shooting percentage of 57.9% and averaging 13.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 steals in just under 26 minutes per game.
After dealing with an adductor injury during the Western Conference Finals, Harper received a personal email from Gregg Popovich, the Spurs’ director of basketball operations and five-time champion, urging him to step up as the team faced potential elimination.
“He reached out after Game 5, saying it was crucial for us to get the job done,” Harper recalled.
In Game 6, Harper responded with 18 points, six rebounds, and four assists in just 22 minutes, showing tenacity against one of the league’s toughest defenses.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson noted, “When he flips the switch and gets aggressive, he’s really something special. He’s got all the talent needed to achieve anything.” In Game 7, Harper made several pivotal plays, including a crucial step-back three-pointer late in the game, totaling 12 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, pushing his team closer to the Finals.
This was the moment he had long envisioned.
“I’ve always put myself in a position to make plays and trust my instincts,” Harper explained. “Everyone around me encourages me to be myself. When opportunities arise, I just go and do what I know best.”
“It feels like I’ve been in the league for quite a while now, and I truly feel I belong,” he concluded.
