Dylan Harper believes San Antonio’s offensive balance and ability to draw fouls make the Spurs difficult to defend after Friday’s 124-109 win over Sacramento.
“I feel like we’re at our best when everyone’s touching the ball, everyone’s getting to the paint, kicking out, just making the right play for the team,” Harper said after scoring 19 points against the Kings.
“It’s just a byproduct of our chemistry and how much we generally enjoy playing with each other.”
Harper, who also had three rebounds and three assists, said the game has slowed down for him as he gains experience. The sophomore believes he is becoming quicker at recognizing defensive schemes and making adjustments.
“It’s definitely easier around this time,” Harper said when asked to compare his progress with last season. “I definitely was still trying to figure it out.”
“The game’s definitely slowed down for me and just being out there and kind of seeing the different combinations team throw at us and the different type of game plans,” he added.
“We’ve kind of seen it all. So, it helps me a lot that I’ve kind of been able to experience a lot and just kind of pick and choose my spots and put people in the right spots.”
Harper also outlined what the Spurs need to do to keep improving offensively.
“Just doing it over and over and over again is I feel like the biggest thing,” he said. “We’re so talented. We have so many scorers. We have so many people that can create.”
“When we do play the right way, when we do play with our teammates, it’s first off, it’s fun. And second off, it looks beautiful.”
San Antonio attempted 42 free throws against Sacramento, converting 33. Harper rejected the suggestion that the team relies on foul-baiting, but explained why getting to the line has become important.
“You trying to say we foul bait, huh? You trying to say we foul bait?”
“Wrong choice of word,” he said after the question was rephrased.
“I feel like we’re pretty unstoppable when we play the right way like we did tonight. Just pick your poison.”
“Obviously we have a bunch of people that you might have to go double like Vic, you got to go double him and it creates opportunities for everyone else.”
Harper added that getting to the line and controlling the pace in the half court represents another step forward.
“When we’re able to get to the line like that at that rate, plus everything else, I think we’re pretty hard to beat.”
The guard also praised Sacramento’s rookie Darius Acuff Jr., who finished with 22 points and eight assists.
“I feel like everyone knew this was going to happen,” Harper said, recalling that he had known Acuff since high school. “He’s one of the best rookies. Just how he plays and how he’s able to kind of pick the game apart as a rookie.”
Harper also praised Victor Wembanyama’s character after the center handed the game ball to head coach Mitch Johnson following Wednesday’s 52-point performance and Johnson’s 100th career win.
“He could be very self-centered in a sense. But he pours into us and he pours into the team, the coaching staff, and the whole organization,” Harper said.
“It’s bigger than you. And he definitely knows that. We all know that.”
