Dylan Harper addressed multiple key themes during Thursday, June 4, media availability ahead of Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks. The 20-year-old guard reflected on late-game rotations, lineup flexibility, and team decision-making after Game 1.

Harper described the mindset after subbing out late in the fourth quarter, emphasizing trust in the coaching staff and team process. “Yeah, I feel like everyone wants to be out there in those times and to close the game out, but I mean, we won 62 games. We made it this far. So, I mean, I’m going keep on trusting in the coaching staff, trusting in Mitch, and just having that trust and know that they know what’s best for the team. And if they think that’s the best thing for the team, and that helps us win the most, and I’m all for it. So, I mean, obviously wanted to be out there, but ain’t nothing to hang my head on.”

He also spoke about playing alongside multiple ball handlers, highlighting how the Spurs’ guard-heavy lineups change offensive spacing. “Yeah, being on the floor with them two, I mean, just opens the game so much for me and them too and everyone else on the floor that I mean, we all kind of have that ability to get to the rim and get to the paint just open up the world for everyone else. So, I mean, being on the floor with them, it’s a blessing.”

Harper added that his role adjustment has largely been about flexibility rather than structural change. “I mean, adjusting really just, you know, being off the ball is I feel like nothing new for me. Kind of been off the ball all year and I kind of feel like I could do whatever the team needs me to do to go out there and win. And I feel like us having three guards out there, it’s pretty unstoppable.”

The rookie guard also reflected on his first NBA Finals experience and conversations within his family. “I feel good. I mean, my first year in the league and being at the finals is a blessing. So, I mean, I can’t really complain about the position I’m in. I feel like this is every kid’s dream, every basketball player’s dream.” He also noted, “Me and my dad talk here and there, he gave me little tips about the finals and things like that, but ultimately, you got to experience on your own to kind of know how to navigate through it.”

On competitive urgency, Harper compared Game 1 energy with earlier series moments. “I feel like both were down from Game 1. And I feel like Game 7 is back against the wall and kind of whoever wins that game makes it to the finals. I feel like we kind of had more of that drive and kind of were more desperate in a sense, but I feel like it’s the NBA finals and we got to be desperate every game no matter what’s at stake, what the score is.”

He also discussed late-game offensive structure and decision-making around spacing and star touches. “Yeah, there’s definitely a middle ground in that. I feel like our best offense is kind of transitioning getting out. But I think once we get in the half court, it’s more just how do we put the right guys in the right spots to execute.”

Defensively, Harper pointed to execution against Jalen Brunson and overall team coverage rather than individual breakdowns. “I feel like he’s a great player. Obviously what he’s able to do and this how he gets to his spots and his angles. I feel like we did a pretty good job. Obviously fourth quarter crunch time. There’s things that we need to clean up and things that everyone could have did better. But I mean it’s he’s a big time player so he’s going to make shots like that and we’re just going to have to live with you know making as tough as we can.”

Game 2 is set for Friday in San Antonio, with the Spurs trailing the series after a 105-95 Game 1 loss.