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San Antonio entered the Western Conference finals already dealing with a thin backcourt rotation. By the end of Game 2 against Oklahoma City, the Spurs found themselves confronting another potentially significant issue.
Rookie guard Dylan Harper exited Wednesday’s 122-113 loss after appearing to injure his right hamstring in the third quarter, creating fresh uncertainty for a Spurs team already missing De’Aaron Fox. Harper had stepped into an expanded role during Fox’s absence and quickly became one of San Antonio’s most important creators in the series.
Harper’s Exit Adds to Spurs Injury Problems
The injury occurred midway through the third quarter when Harper attacked the basket and fell after a contested layup attempt. He immediately grabbed at his right leg before heading to the bench and later returning to the locker room.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson did not provide a postgame timeline for Harper, though reports indicated the rookie will undergo an MRI on Thursday in San Antonio.
Harper’s absence would further weaken a rotation already operating without Fox, who continues recovering from a high ankle sprain suffered in the conference semifinals.
“Obviously this team is as good as anybody at turning you over,” Johnson said after the game. “When you’re down some of your primary creators and initiators, it causes a little extra strain.”
Stephon Castle Carries Heavy Load
Without Fox available, much of the ball-handling responsibility shifted toward Stephon Castle. The rookie has produced offensively but has struggled with turnovers against Oklahoma City’s aggressive defense.
Castle committed 20 turnovers across the first two games of the series, while San Antonio collectively gave away possession 44 times, allowing the Thunder to convert those mistakes into 55 points.
Even with those struggles, teammates continue backing Castle to handle the pressure.
“Steph is a dog,” Keldon Johnson said. “He’ll figure it out.”
Castle acknowledged the issues himself, pointing to pace and decision-making as areas that need improvement.
Spurs Could Turn to Depth Options
Harper delivered a major performance in Game 1 with 24 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and seven steals, making his injury especially concerning for San Antonio.
If both Fox and Harper remain unavailable for Friday’s Game 3, the Spurs may rely more heavily on Jordan McLaughlin and Keldon Johnson as secondary creators while attempting to reduce pressure on Castle.
For now, the focus shifts to Thursday’s MRI results. With the series tied and returning to San Antonio, the Spurs may need answers quickly.
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