The San Antonio Spurs dropped Game 1 to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and before they bounce back, fans think one change must be on the table.
The San Antonio Spurs lost Game 1 of their Western Conference Semifinals matchup to the Minnesota Timberwolves, falling on Monday, 104-102. Julian Champagnie missed a last-second 3-pointer to win, but the loss was not on him.
The Spurs' two stars, Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox, both came up short. Yes, Wemby had 12 blocks, a postseason record, but scored only 11 points on inefficient shooting. Fox, meanwhile, added just ten points of his own, as well as six turnovers.
Fox and Wembanyama combined to shoot zero of 12 from 3-point range. Dylan Harper, meanwhile, led the Spurs with 18 points. After the game, fans took to social media to offer Mitch Johnson some roster advice.
Fans Call for Spurs to Bench De'Aaron Fox
After the Spurs traded for Fox, they signed him to a four-year, $229 million maximum contract extension. The plan was for Harper to slowly get reps in, developing and eventually replacing the All-Star. Instead, Harper is ahead of schedule.
Fox is one of the more clutch players in the league, but when he disappears for large stretches in playoff games, it's hard to justify his contract. Some fans have gone a step further, having trouble justifying his minutes.
While Fox is more experienced and often more polished than Harper, the reality is that the rookie has twice put the Spurs on his back in the postseason. Neither he nor Fox is much of a shooting threat, although Harper has the size advantage and has been a solid catch-and-shoot specialist in the last few months.
"You used to know the Spurs meant business in a playoff series when they decided to start Manu," posted CBS's Sam Quinn. "I’m starting to feel like that’s gonna be the case with Dylan Harper this postseason. He’s so clearly one of their best five. I wonder if anyone stresses them enough to do it."
"If Mitch Johnson had balls he would start Dylan Harper over Fox next game," added a fan.
"Harper is ready to start now," chimed in another. "Fox would be better suited in a 6th man/instant offense role right now - running point for the 2nd unit. Closing games. Lou Will role."
The Spurs haven't tinkered with their backcourt rotation all season long, aside from when injuries forced them to, so don't expect anything rash, although the fans have made their stance clear: Fox might be the present, but Harper is certainly the future.
After Game 1, it's hard to see things any other way.