Dylan Harper loves the competition he has going in his matchup against Scoot Henderson

The San Antonio Spurs have been the favorites to beat the Portland Trail Blazers in their first-round series. However, that changed when Victor Wembanyama went down with a concussion in Game 2. 

Heading into Game 3, speculations were present regarding Wembanyama's status. When it was confirmed he would miss the game, the onus was on the remaining Spurs to step up. The rookie, Dylan Harper, made sure to step up with an amazing performance.

Dylan Harper relishes in his matchup against Scoot Henderson

The Trail Blazers had a strong lead early in the third quarter, but after Scoot Henderson received a technical foul for celebrating in Dylan Harper's face, it changed the game. 

It felt like that moment motivated Harper to show why he is also a top talent. The rookie finished the game with a career high of 27 points, while Stephon Castle had a game-high 33 points for the Spurs.

MORE: Scoot Henderson and the Trail Blazers want to play against a healthy Victor Wembanyama

Harper and Henderson have been going at each other for the past three games. This came to a head when Henderson celebrated after making a tough layup over Harper. Unfortunately for Scoot, Harper won this matchup in Game 3.

For Harper, he is glad that he getting to play against Henderson because it shows that they are having fun and being passioante about the game. 

"It's Playoff basketball, it's the best basketball in the world. We are both competitive players, at the end of the day, we're going to compete. Words are exchanged, but it's always basketball," Harper said about his matchup against Henderson.

"I can respect that, and I respect him as a player. He's having a really good series, going back at him, and not backing down from anyone."

As the series continues, the Spurs look to be favorites again, especially with Wembanyama's impending return. However, it has shown that players like Scoot deserve more of the spotlight because he has been fantastic against the Spurs.

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• Victor Wembanyama celebrates becoming the league's first-ever unanimous DPOY