Spurs’ Dylan Harper reveals what De’Aaron Fox told him before historic Game 1 explosion

The San Antonio Spurs showed their dominance against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the regular season, and they continued it in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. It took double overtime, but the Spurs prevailed and stole a game on the road, taking control of the series early.

Going into the game, the Spurs knew they were going to be without De’Aaron Fox as he deals with an ankle injury, and that means it had to be next man up. Dylan Harper started in place of Fox, and he took advantage of the opportunity, finishing with 24 points, 11 rebounds, seven steals and six assists.

It was a historic game for Harper, and he became the first rookie to record 20+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 7+ steals in an NBA playoff game.

Harper spoke about what Fox told him before the game in order for him to go out and do what he did.

“He told me to be me. That’s the biggest thing. He’s been that person I’ve looked up to in terms of how he plays, how he moves and everything. He told me to be me out there and not take it for granted,” Harper said via Marc Spears of Andscape.

Fox has probably been key for Harper during his rookie season, which has allowed him to play freely. The Spurs are going to need Harper if they want to win this series, but the hope is that they can also get Fox back soon, even though they won the game without him. He still made his presence felt on the bench, according to Mitch Johnson.

“He was great on the bench. He was continuing to give the guys direction and talking to the players in the game. You have someone who’s been playing with these guys, so to have that perspective was really helpful,” Johnson said via Tom Orsborn of San Antonio Express-News.

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