The San Antonio Spurs were unable to extend their momentum against the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals series, as New York delivered a shocking comeback win in Game 4. After the Spurs fell to a 1-3 hole, much of the postgame conversation centered on head coach Mitch Johnson’s late-game decision-making, particularly his treatment of rookie standout Dylan Harper.
A player who had just made NBA history by becoming the youngest ever to score 20+ points in a Finals game was inexplicably sidelined in the closing minutes. Instead of leaning on the rookie’s growing confidence and scoring touch, Johnson continued to run the offense primarily through De’Aaron Fox down the stretch.
NBA insider Evan Sidery openly criticized the Spurs’ approach on X while suggesting Harper should be given a more prominent “1B” role in the offense moving forward rather than being sidelined in key moments.
“Dylan Harper did not attempt a shot over the final 10 minutes of Game 4 as Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson kept running the offense through De’Aaron Fox instead. Facing three must-win games in a row, it’s time to pull the trigger on handing the keys over to Harper as their 1B,” Sidery wrote.
Fox’s elite speed and valuable veteran presence remain key assets for San Antonio. However, when opposing defenses tighten up late in games his effectiveness has often been limited. In those scenarios, Harper’s playmaking could offer a different dimension that the Spurs arguably failed to utilize at the right time.
Harper’s ability to create clean looks proved vital throughout Game 4. In 32 minutes, the rookie finished with 21 points, four rebounds, and three assists.
Reports further suggest that San Antonio’s lineup data strongly favors the Victor Wembanyama- Harper combination. The Spurs are reportedly 11.9 points per 100 possessions better in the NBA Finals when Wembanyama shares the floor with Harper compared to his minutes alongside Fox. The Wembanyama-Harper pairing posts a +10.3 net rating, while the Wembanyama–Fox duo sits at -1.6.
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