Harper Matches Career High in First Pro Start as Spurs Hammer Pacers
San Antonio, TX – Rookie Dylan Harper delivered a standout performance in his first NBA start, matching his career-high with 24 points as the San Antonio Spurs cruised to a 134-119 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday. Keldon Johnson also contributed 24 points for the Spurs, who continue to build momentum as the regular season winds down.
The win marked the Spurs’ fifth consecutive victory and their 21st in the last 23 games, improving their record to 53-18. San Antonio remains firmly in contention for the top seed in the Western Conference, trailing the Oklahoma City Thunder by three games with 11 contests remaining. The team’s recent success, including an undefeated February, underscores their position as a legitimate title contender.
Harper’s Impressive Debut
Harper, the second overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft, showcased the skills that made him a highly touted prospect. The 6-foot-6 guard scored 16 of his 24 points in the paint, demonstrating his ability to attack the basket and finish strong. He also added four rebounds and three steals, contributing on both ends of the court. Harper learned he would be starting just 17 minutes before tip-off, tasked with guarding Indiana’s T.J. McConnell.
“Coach came in and said, ‘you’re guarding Nembhard,’” Harper said, according to reports. “I was trying not to be too nervous, we’re 70 games in but first start is kind of nerve wracking. For me I was just tryin to be in the moment and be myself.”
Prior to Saturday’s game, Harper had appeared in 52 games off the bench, averaging 11.1 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.4 rebounds even as shooting 48.6% from the field. His recent shooting form has been improving, and he’s becoming a more consistent threat from beyond the arc.
Wembanyama and Johnson Contribute
While Harper stole the indicate, the Spurs received significant contributions from other key players. Victor Wembanyama finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and five blocked shots in 26 minutes of play. De’Aaron Fox added 14 points, while Harrison Barnes and Julian Champagnie chipped in with 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Johnson’s 24 points off the bench provided a crucial scoring boost, and his performance helped the Spurs maintain a comfortable lead throughout the second half. He paced all scorers with 16 points before halftime.
Pacers Continue to Struggle
The Indiana Pacers, meanwhile, continued their struggles, suffering their 16th consecutive loss. They now hold a record of 15-56 and have been eliminated from postseason contention. Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers with 25 points, while Jarace Walker added 21. Pascal Siakam, returning from a six-game absence due to a sprained right knee, scored 14 points, and Obi Toppin contributed 11.
Game Recap
The Spurs established control early, leading 42-29 after the first quarter. They extended their lead to 21 points in the second quarter before the Pacers mounted a late rally, finishing the half with a 10-2 run to close the gap to 66-53.
San Antonio pulled away in the third and fourth quarters, led by Wembanyama’s strong performance in the fourth. Wembanyama scored 10 points in the first three and a half minutes of the final period, including a three-pointer that extended the Spurs’ lead to 21 points. The Spurs ultimately led by as many as 28 points in the closing minutes.
Injury Updates and Absences
The Spurs were without star guard Stephon Castle for the second consecutive game due to right hip stiffness. Devin Vassell also missed the game with right hamstring tightness. These absences created an opportunity for Harper to make his first start and showcase his potential.
What’s Next
The San Antonio Spurs will continue their homestand on Monday, March 23rd, when they face the Memphis Grizzlies at the Frost Bank Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM Central Time (UTC-6). The Indiana Pacers will travel to face the Orlando Magic on Monday, March 23rd, at 6:00 PM Eastern Time (UTC-5).
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