San Antonio Spurs rookie Dylan Harper is staying confident despite his team falling behind 0-2 to the New York Knicks in the 2026 NBA Finals. After the Spurs lost a close 105-104 decision in Game 2, the 20-year-old Filipino American guard said the team must remain united and focus on the next game rather than dwell on the early deficit. Harper emphasized that the series is far from over and noted that it is not the first team to win two games, urging his teammates to avoid hanging their heads.
Harper also made history during the Finals by becoming the youngest player in NBA history to score at least 10 points in an NBA Finals game. He achieved the milestone in just six minutes during Game 1, adding another highlight to what has already been an impressive rookie season. Even in defeat, his performance drew attention for both his composure and his impact on the court in one of the biggest stages in basketball.
His father, five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, praised Dylan’s dedication and love for the game, saying he recognized his son’s potential from a very young age. Ron Harper said Dylan had always shown a deep passion for basketball and had a ball in his hands since early childhood. He also described Dylan as a complete player who works hard on both ends of the floor, pointing out that his son takes pride in defense as much as scoring.
Dylan Harper said his father has offered advice about handling the Finals, but he believes the experience itself is something a player must live through to fully understand. He said the two talk from time to time and that his father has given him small tips, but the pressure and rhythm of the championship stage can only be learned through firsthand experience.
The younger Harper’s path has also drawn attention because of his family background and the basketball legacy of his father and older brother, Ron Harper Jr., who finished the season with the Boston Celtics. Dylan said both he and his brother dreamed of reaching the NBA from a young age, despite the expectations that came with being compared to their father.
Harper’s connection to Filipino basketball fans is also growing. The rookie, whose mother has roots in Bataan, recently said he would not rule out the possibility of playing for Gilas Pilipinas in the future. He said, “I would never say no,” leaving the door open to representing the Philippines one day. If that opportunity ever comes, he could potentially play alongside fellow Filipino American star Jordan Clarkson, who is helping lead the Knicks in the Finals.
