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This Western Conference Finals is shaping up to be a series for the ages. Game 1's double-overtime finish was merely a glimpse of things to come.
Both the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder left it all out on the court Monday, with Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander clearing the 48-minute mark. Dylan Harper, who started for an injured De'Aaron Fox, was just behind with 47 minutes.
It's fair to expect the same urgency for Game 2 and beyond. But that doesn't mean the Spurs should rush Fox back.
Fox, who's considered a game-time decision tonight due to ankle soreness, is primarily known for his speed. An ankle injury could potentially hinder that explosiveness. The crafty Gilgeous-Alexander may look to target Fox defensively as well.
So until Fox is 100%, it should be the Dylan Harper show. The No. 2 pick played well beyond his years in a Game 1 spot start, recording 24 points, 11 rebounds and seven steals. It's further evidence he'll be a longtime franchise cornerstone alongside Wembanyama and Castle, who are all under 23 years old -- which the rest of the West shudders to acknowledge.
Fox, 28, is a two-time All-Star who can absolutely help the Spurs win now. He also doesn't fit their long-term timeline as seamlessly as Harper. Considering that and the Spurs' 1-0 lead, there's no reason to rush Fox back.
San Antonio is fortunate to have assembled a strong enough backcourt to hold it down while Fox sits. We don't know whether that'll happen yet, but Harper will be up to the task as either a starter or a reserve.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Is De'Aaron Fox playing in Game 2? Spurs shouldn't rush him back as Dylan Harper emerges
Continue reading...
Both the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder left it all out on the court Monday, with Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander clearing the 48-minute mark. Dylan Harper, who started for an injured De'Aaron Fox, was just behind with 47 minutes.
It's fair to expect the same urgency for Game 2 and beyond. But that doesn't mean the Spurs should rush Fox back.
Fox, who's considered a game-time decision tonight due to ankle soreness, is primarily known for his speed. An ankle injury could potentially hinder that explosiveness. The crafty Gilgeous-Alexander may look to target Fox defensively as well.
So until Fox is 100%, it should be the Dylan Harper show. The No. 2 pick played well beyond his years in a Game 1 spot start, recording 24 points, 11 rebounds and seven steals. It's further evidence he'll be a longtime franchise cornerstone alongside Wembanyama and Castle, who are all under 23 years old -- which the rest of the West shudders to acknowledge.
Fox, 28, is a two-time All-Star who can absolutely help the Spurs win now. He also doesn't fit their long-term timeline as seamlessly as Harper. Considering that and the Spurs' 1-0 lead, there's no reason to rush Fox back.
San Antonio is fortunate to have assembled a strong enough backcourt to hold it down while Fox sits. We don't know whether that'll happen yet, but Harper will be up to the task as either a starter or a reserve.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Is De'Aaron Fox playing in Game 2? Spurs shouldn't rush him back as Dylan Harper emerges
Continue reading...
