Harper Drives Spurs to Victory: Return After Injury

Portland, Ore. – San Antonio Spurs rookie Dylan Harper, selected with the number 2 pick in this year’s NBA draft, returned to the court on Wednesday in Portland after missing 10 games due to a left calf strain. Harper scored seven points, three rebounds, and two assists in the Spurs’ victory over the Trail Blazers with a score of 115-102, thus maintaining their position to win their group in the NBA Cup.

I thought he was great. We needed the 16 and a half minutes he played, and it was good to see him back on the court. It’s the kid’s sixth game. He’s been out for almost a month. He was great.

Mitch Johnson, coach

Harper’s injury occurred during San Antonio’s first loss of the season on November 2 in Phoenix, while defending a dunk by Nick Richards. A subsequent MRI revealed the strain. In his first six games, 19-year-old Harper averaged 14 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, with 50% field goal efficiency and 35.7% from the three-point line. He played at least 22 minutes in the five games prior to the injury, and Johnson attributed Wednesday’s playing time to the time Harper was out.

I was fried in 16 minutes, so I think yes, that’s part of the process.

Mitch Johnson, coach

This was the first time the Spurs had starting point guard De’Aaron Fox and Harper available in the same game, after Fox missed the start of the season due to a hamstring injury. To limit Harper’s minutes, the two playmakers shared the court for only 1:26 during the final quarter, alternating at the point guard position at other times. Harper hopes to be able to play with Fox “a lot” as it progresses.

Playing with someone with such a high IQ. You play in the same position, so I think we both understand where the other is going to be and everyone else. Just playing with him on the court, I think it’s going to be a matchup nightmare for anyone.

Dylan Harper

The French phenomenon Victor Wembanyama (calf) and guard Stephon Castle (hip flexor strain), San Antonio lottery picks in the last two years, remain out, but are expected to be re-evaluated soon to begin the process of their respective returns.