Dylan Harper Shines in Summer League Debut as Spurs Defeat Mavericks

Dylan Harper Makes a Strong Pro Debut in Summer League

Dylan Harper, the second overall pick in the NBA draft, made his professional debut against the Mavericks, facing off against Cooper Flagg. Despite missing the California Classic and the opening game of the Summer League, Harper delivered an impressive performance, scoring 16 points, grabbing six rebounds, dishing out two assists, and recording two steals in a 76-69 victory.

The matchup between Harper and Flagg started with the Summer Spurs employing a suffocating defensive strategy that kept the No. 1 overall pick in check. The Mavericks managed only 11 points in the first quarter, shooting just 2-of-14 from the field. Carter Bryant played a key role in disrupting Dallas’ offense in the half-court. However, the momentum shifted in the second quarter as the Mavericks found their rhythm while the Spurs struggled to create consistent offensive opportunities due to a low-paced attack reliant on individual ball handlers. The Spurs only led by one point at halftime.

Harper helped the Spurs regain control in the third quarter by increasing the pace of play and being more disruptive on defense. Flagg began to find his scoring touch through screens, but the Mavericks lacked other reliable offensive threats. Meanwhile, David Jones-Garcia overcame his earlier indecisiveness and contributed significantly to the team’s lead.

Despite the Mavericks’ efforts led by Flagg, the Spurs maintained a comfortable lead throughout the game. Harper’s performance was nothing short of impressive, especially considering he hadn’t played since March and had a minor injury that kept him out of the California Classic. His debut was filled with energy and determination, showcasing the skills that made him a top pick.

Harper's Impressive Performance

From the start, Harper looked special, scoring the first basket of the game. More impressively, he embraced the defensive identity of the Summer Spurs, offering energy that is rare among top prospects in Vegas. His two steals, four deflections, and a highlight-reel block were standout moments, but what truly stood out was his ability to pressure ball handlers and compete for loose balls. On offense, Harper used his handle and quickness to get into the paint, drawing fouls and creating opportunities for himself and his teammates. He played on the ball frequently but also shared the floor with other ball handlers, showing comfort in cutting for layups or keeping the offense moving. His vision and decision-making were evident, even with a low assist total.

There were some areas for improvement, particularly in getting into the offense early and committing too many fouls, but these issues were not unique to Harper. His shooting form looked solid, making six of his seven free throws, though he missed all four of his three-point attempts. A pull-up shot was erased due to a foul before it could count, and he had only one bad miss. Overall, Harper showed promise and excitement, proving he belongs in the league.

Carter Bryant Faces Challenges on Offense

While Harper shone on both ends of the court, Carter Bryant faced challenges, especially on offense. Flagg scored 31 points, bouncing back from a slow debut and displaying the potential of a future All-NBA player. However, he struggled to score early in the game, often relying on high screens to get past Bryant, who tested his handles and never gave him an inch. Bryant showed NBA-ready defensive skills, but his offensive game left much to be desired. He couldn’t dribble under pressure, his shot was inconsistent, and he wasn’t an intuitive passer. Bryant finished the game with two points and four turnovers, missing all seven of his shots, including five three-point attempts. At 19 years old, he has time to develop into a two-way player, but he isn’t expected to be the team’s leading scorer.

David Jones-Garcia Continues to Shine

David Jones-Garcia has been one of the standout performers of the summer, not just for the Spurs. The wing-turned-combo guard put up 21 points off the bench against the Mavericks after scoring 24 in his first game in Vegas following a strong performance in the California Classic. He has the handles, craft, and touch to create separation and hit contested shots. At times, he has carried the offense when he’s on the floor, making him a fun player to watch.

However, the question remains whether his skill set will translate to the NBA, where he may not have as much ball-handling responsibility. While he isn’t a poor distributor, he’s primarily a scorer. In the second quarter, he psyched himself out by trying to pass instead of attacking, but he found his rhythm later, focusing on scoring. With the Spurs having multiple scoring guards, he might not be the best fit right now, but his performance has earned him a two-way deal.

Upcoming Game: San Antonio vs. Utah Jazz

The next game for the Summer Spurs will be against the Utah Jazz on Monday. Ace Bailey, who attended Harper’s debut, missed the first game of the Las Vegas Summer League but is expected to be ready to play against the Spurs.