Rising Philippine-American basketball player Dylan Harper makes an impressive debut in the NBA Summer League competition
In the heart of the 2025 NBA Summer League, a new and exciting rivalry began to unfold as the San Antonio Spurs' Dylan Harper and the Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg squared off. This budding rivalry, fueled by their respective selections as the No. 2 and No. 1 picks in this year's draft, has already captured the attention of fans and analysts alike.
Dylan Harper, a versatile and efficient guard of Filipino American descent, was selected by the Spurs with the second overall pick. Known for his all-around game, Harper made his Summer League debut after recovering from a groin injury. On the other side of the court stood Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall selection by the Mavericks, who is renowned for his scoring prowess and ability to dominate games.
Their first head-to-head meeting took place at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. In a closely contested matchup, the Spurs emerged victorious with a score of 76-69, thanks in large part to Harper's impressive performance off the bench. Despite Flagg's impressive 31-point outing, Harper's 16 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block in just 19 minutes helped the Spurs maintain control.
Harper's versatile skill set was on full display during the matchup, as he showcased slick passes, tough finishes at the rim, and a key defensive stop. His return from injury was a significant boost for the Spurs, who will undoubtedly rely on Harper's contributions as the season progresses.
The encounter between Harper and Flagg may have sparked one of the league's most compelling new rivalries, hinting at a potential rivalry that could define the next NBA era. With both players showing significant potential in their early careers, their rivalry is expected to grow, promising exciting matchups for years to come.
As both players continue to develop, their rivalry is likely to become a highlight of the NBA, with fans and analysts eagerly anticipating their performances against each other. Harper, reflecting on the energy and stakes of the showdown, expressed that it was a great time to return from an injury, and he and Flagg will likely play each other a lot this year.
The matchup between Harper and Flagg was significant not only for its competitive nature but also for its potential to initiate a new rivalry in the NBA. Filipino American NBA rookie Dylan Harper made his Summer League debut, setting the stage for an exciting future in the league. As Harper continues to grow and develop, his challenge for the future is clear, and his message is even clearer: he is here to compete and make a mark in the NBA.
The first-time face-off between Dylan Harper and Cooper Flagg, both NBA rookies and top picks from this year's draft, ignited a potential new rivalry in the league, as it took place during the 2025 NBA Summer League. In this high-stakes game, Harper, a versatile Filipino American guard, showcased his skills playing for the San Antonio Spurs, contributing 16 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block off the bench, helping his team secure a victory against Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks. This exhilarating encounter promises more exciting matchups between these two talented players in the upcoming NBA season.
