“I’ve been to so many Knicks playoff games, Knicks games – I live 25, 30 minutes from the arena. I know there’s going to be a whole lot of tickets I’ll be asked for.”
Dylan Harper on growing up a Knicks fan and now facing them in the NBA Finals:
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MAY 20: Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the first quarter of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Two of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center on May 20, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
The San Antonio Spurs are heading to the NBA Finals, and for one of their own, the matchup against the New York Knicks carries a different kind of weight.
Dylan Harper grew up 25 to 30 minutes from Madison Square Garden. He attended Knicks playoff games as a kid. He watched this team from the stands, the same fanbase that will now be cheering against him when the series shifts to New York for Games 3 and 4.
The situation is not lost on him.
GettyDylan Harper of the San Antonio Spurs.
The Spurs rookie was asked about facing the Knicks in the NBA Finals and he did not shy away from the personal angle. Growing up in the New York area, Harper has a history with this franchise that goes beyond simply knowing the roster.
He has been in those buildings. He has felt that crowd. And now his phone is about to blow up.
“I’ve been to so many Knicks playoff games, Knicks games — I live 25, 30 minutes from the arena,” Harper said. “I know there’s going to be a whole lot of tickets I’ll be asked for.”
The kid who grew up watching the Knicks now has to beat them on the biggest stage in basketball.
“I’ve been to so many Knicks playoff games, Knicks games – I live 25, 30 minutes from the arena. I know there’s going to be a whole lot of tickets I’ll be asked for.”
Dylan Harper on growing up a Knicks fan and now facing them in the NBA Finals:
Harper has been one of the most exciting rookies in the league this season. The Spurs guard moves with a patient rhythm and confidence beyond his years, and has become a key piece of San Antonio’s backcourt alongside De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle.
The three guards have developed a genuine chemistry throughout the season, becoming one of the more talked-about young backcourts in the league. Harper’s ability to create off the dribble and make plays in the half-court has given the Spurs another dimension on offense heading into the Finals.
San Antonio beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-103 in a Game 7 on Saturday night to reach the Finals. Victor Wembanyama led the way with 22 points and seven rebounds. Harper contributed throughout a series that went the distance against the defending champions.
The NBA Finals against the Knicks is a unique situation for someone who grew up watching New York play. Harper gets to compete on the biggest stage in basketball against the team he watched from the stands as a kid.
The tickets situation will sort itself out. What matters now is the basketball.
Game 1 is Wednesday in San Antonio. The kid from the New York area will be ready.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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