Harper and Wembanyama: Debut with Alley-oop and chemistry in the Spurs

In his highly anticipated preseason debut with the San Antonio Spurs, Dylan Harper showed that he is quickly learning to connect with Victor Wembanyama, the French giant. Harper, selected at number 2, played a key role in the 134-130 victory over the Utah Jazz. During the game, Harper connected an alley-oop for Wembanyama to score with both hands, demonstrating the complicity between both players.

I’m going to throw it a little higher.

Dylan Harper

Harper’s performance was outstanding, with a plus-minus of 22 in the first half and a total of 20 at the end of the game. He scored 9 points with 4 of 5 shots, two assists and one more in the third quarter.

It’s just another step for him and his young career, as he will continue to grow.

Mitch Johnson, Spurs CoachHarper, who overcame the nerves of his debut, showed his skill by connecting alley-oops with Wembanyama and Luke Kornet, as well as active defense on the court.

It’s good to be on the court with him. He seems ready, he already feels very comfortable throwing these kinds of passes. I am very confident and happy to be able to spend time on the court with him.

Victor WembanyamaIn his first few minutes, Harper scored a basket after an assist from Harrison Barnes and demonstrated his ability to overcome his opponents.

Just getting back on the court with those guys, getting the chemistry working before the season starts, it was good to play again. My teammates do a great job of empowering me, and they’ll let me know what I’m doing wrong. But ultimately, they’re here to help me and I’m here to help them. Just having that confidence behind me is very helpful.

Dylan Harper

Harper, who is recovering from surgery on his left thumb, participated in team training with a splint. After the game, Harper acknowledged the need to adjust his passes to connect with Wembanyama.

I should have thrown it higher, much higher. It’s weird. Nobody has played with someone so tall. You go out there. You throw it and you think you threw it too high. But then he catches it and you say, ‘It’s a little too low’. So, [it’s] little things like that. Just throw it where nobody else can catch it, just him.

Dylan Harper