Dylan Harper, the No. 2 overall pick, played a pivotal role in the San Antonio Spurs’ victory against the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday, scoring 22 points and contributing six assists. This performance demonstrated his capability to shine in the backcourt despite the presence of both De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, who were also active for the first time this season. However, there are still areas for improvement among the trio, as noted by Jeff McDonald of The San Antonio Express-News.
While Harper excelled, Castle, returning from a hip injury, looked to find his footing, finishing the game with 5-of-15 shooting and three turnovers in just 23 minutes. Fox, a former All-Star, appeared tentative, scoring only 14 points on 4-of-11 shooting while committing four turnovers. McDonald highlighted these issues, suggesting that the three guards need to improve their cohesion on the court.
Nonetheless, the collective effort of Harper, Castle, and Fox resulted in a total of 54 points and 18 assists, leading to a narrow victory over the Pelicans by three points. Harper expressed a confident outlook for the team’s future performance, stating, “This is just a little sample size of what you’re going to see. When (Castle) really gets back into the groove of things, we’re going to be scary.”
Castle acknowledged the challenge of returning to form after a three-week hiatus, adding, “I’m trying to get adjusted to the game. Having a little three-week break, I’m trying to get back in rhythm.”
The optimism surrounding the trio suggests that as they continue to develop their chemistry, the Spurs may become increasingly formidable in their upcoming games. With the potential of these young guards, fans can look forward to a bright future for the team.