Spurs’ Dylan Harper makes playoff history only Kobe Bryant surpassed in Game 3 win

The San Antonio Spurs entered a hostile Moda Center without their cornerstone, Victor Wembanyama, but they left with a 2-1 series lead and a piece of NBA history. While the Portland Trail Blazers focused on containing the veterans, it was rookie guard Dylan Harper who snatched the spotlight, delivering a performance that put him in the same breath as the late Kobe Bryant.

Harper set the arena on fire coming off the bench. The 20-year-old guard exploded for 27 points in the Spurs’ 120-108 victory on Friday night. By crossing the 20-point threshold, Harper became the second-youngest player in NBA history to score 20 or more points off the bench in a playoff game. The only person ahead of him on that prestigious list is Kobe Bryant, who dropped 22 points as an 18-year-old for the Los Angeles Lakers back in 1997.

Harper was clinical from the floor, shooting 9-of-12 and knocking down four critical three-pointers that silenced the Portland faithful. He added five rebounds and three assists in 30 minutes of high-intensity action. Alongside fellow rookie Stephon Castle, who chipped in a game-high 33 points and five assists, Harper provided the scoring punch San Antonio desperately needed while Wembanyama remains in concussion protocol.

The Spurs’ offense flowed through De’Aaron Fox, who finished with 18 points and six assists, ensuring the young guns were in the right spots to succeed. On the other side, the Trail Blazers fought hard behind Deni Avdija’s 19 points, despite Avdija losing a tooth in the process, but they simply couldn’t weather the storm.

With the win, San Antonio reclaimed home-court advantage. If Harper continues to channel his inner Mamba, the Spurs might just pull off the unthinkable before their superstar big man even returns to the court.

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