Mitch Johnson lauds Dylan Harper's impact in the Western Conference Finals as a rookie

Dylan Harper got the starting spot for the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals vs the Oklahoma City Thunder. He started in place of De'Aaron Fox, and he did not look out of place as a rookie in such a high-stakes game.

Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson is proud to see Harper playing in that kind of situation. Everyone within the Spurs organization was well aware of Harper's talent as the second overall pick, but he has continued to prove he is more mature than his experience suggests.

Dylan Harper gets rave reviews from Mitch Johnson after Game 1

In his first game in the Western Conference Finals, Harper showed out. He played 47 minutes in the double-overtime game, putting up an impressive stat line of 24 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, and 7 steals.

It is one of the most impressive performances of any rookie in NBA history during such a high-stakes part of the postseason. That is why it is not surprising that coach Johnson had nothing but praise for his rookie.

MORE: Victor Wembanyama is just built like this in Game 1 vs the Spurs

Harper was a top prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft, as evidenced by his selection at #2 overall. However, he has had to develop and grow quickly because of the Spurs' ascent. He has had no trouble with that, as he looks comfortable in such a high-stakes environment.

"I thought he was phenomenal. I thought he was even better defensively. I think the list of guys who you want to say how good they were, and he's on that list. It's been rewarding as someone who has supported him this year," Johnson said after the Game 1 win.

"Just trusting us. He was already this good 8 months ago, trying to get some corporate knowledge, learn the program... That young man is everything that everybody is seeing right now."

As a rookie, poise like what Harper showed is rare. That is why he is destined for greatness because he is already this good as a rookie. He will only get better as his career progresses.

More NBA news:

• Stephon Castle crowns Victor Wembanyama as the world's top basketball star
• Inside the performance Victor Wembanyama had in Game 1
• Victor Wembanyama just made basketball history that NBA has never seen before
• The head-to-head history between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama
• The bad blood between Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren