Spurs discuss using rookie Dylan Harper over De'Aaron Fox in Game 2
4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 7, 2026, 10:15 AM
Last updated Jun 7, 2026
The San Antonio Spurs may reconsider their backcourt strategy for Game 2 against the Lakers after De'Aaron Fox's underwhelming performance in Game 1, where he scored just seven points on 3-of-13 shooting. In contrast, rookie Dylan Harper impressed with 16 points in limited minutes. The Spurs lost Game 1 by 10 points and are evaluating whether to increase Harper’s role moving forward. With Fox struggling and speculation about his future with the team, head coach Mitch Johnson may opt for a strategic change to regain momentum. The outcome of Friday's matchup will be telling for the Spurs' approach in the series.
- •De'Aaron Fox scored seven points on 3-of-13 shooting in Game 1.
- •Rookie Dylan Harper contributed 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting.
- •The Spurs lost Game 1 by 10 points to the Knicks.
- •Fox's role is under scrutiny as trade rumors emerge.
- •Game 2 will determine potential changes in the Spurs' lineup.
- 10:15 AMYahoo Sports — De’Aaron Fox From the Bench? 1 Specific Stat Shows Dylan Harper Can Contribute More With More Minutes
- 8:37 PMCBS NBA — Why it's time for the Spurs to start Dylan Harper over De'Aaron Fox
- 6:01 PMYahoo Sports — Is this the end for the Spurs’ backcourt? Dylan Harper outscored De’Aaron Fox
"De’Aaron Fox recently spoke about sacrificing aspects of his own game to help the San Antonio Spurs reach their current level. Perhaps he can sacrifice even more, allowing coach Mitch Johnson to give Dylan Harper a larger role. The Spurs are down 0-2 in the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks after costly mistakes [...]
"Spurs could turn to rookie Dylan Harper over De’Aaron Fox in Game 2 vs. LakersDe’Aaron Fox had a quiet Game 1, scoring just seven points on 3-of-13 shooting, while rookie Dylan Harper put up 16 points on 6-of-10 in much less time.
"Harper sat on the bench in the fourth quarter while Fox struggled in Game 1 of the NBA Finals vs. the Knicks
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 7, 2026, 10:15 AMDe’Aaron Fox From the Bench? 1 Specific Stat Shows Dylan Harper Can Contribute More With More Minutes
De’Aaron Fox recently spoke about sacrificing aspects of his own game to help the San Antonio Spurs reach their current level. Perhaps he can sacrifice even more, allowing coach Mitch Johnson to give Dylan Harper a larger role. The Spurs are down 0-2 in the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks after costly mistakes [...]
- CBS NBAJun 4, 2026, 8:37 PMWhy it's time for the Spurs to start Dylan Harper over De'Aaron Fox
Harper sat on the bench in the fourth quarter while Fox struggled in Game 1 of the NBA Finals vs. the Knicks
- Yahoo SportsJun 4, 2026, 6:01 PMIs this the end for the Spurs’ backcourt? Dylan Harper outscored De’Aaron Fox
Spurs could turn to rookie Dylan Harper over De’Aaron Fox in Game 2 vs. LakersDe’Aaron Fox had a quiet Game 1, scoring just seven points on 3-of-13 shooting, while rookie Dylan Harper put up 16 points on 6-of-10 in much less time.
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