Dylan Harper's career night is indicator of reality NBA fans aren't ready for

How unique it is to have a young player on the roster who fully embodies the success of the team as a whole. Dylan Harper fits that mold. San Antonio's success can be directly compared to the poise, skill, and dominance displayed by their second overall pick. He's only 19, but he's ahead of schedule. He doesn't look like he's coming. He's here now. The Wizards can attest to that reality full-throated.

Last night, Washington probably thought they had a chance to win that game. Victor Wembanyama was still on a minutes restriction, and the Spurs were coming off a couple of intense games against the Thunder and Knicks. Maybe the Silver and Black would let their guard down enough to sneak them a loss. Not a chance.

Despite a slow start, allowing DC's lackluster to hang around in the first half, San Antonio pushed the lead in the final two periods in large part due to their fearless rookie. He poured it on in the last two quarters, scoring 11 of his 24 points on 5/7 (71%) from the field. Harper continues to impress over a quarter into the season, and everything you say about him can be said about the team as a whole.

Dylan Harper and the Spurs have come of age

When Wemby arrived, it was only a matter of time before the Spurs got back to their winning ways. He was mature and brought a rare focus from the very beginning. The rest of the guys just needed a couple of years to catch up to the mentality and grow their games. Now that they're all on the same page, they came into the season with an intense drive, and their game matches that desire to win.

Harper seems to have walked into the NBA with it. His ability to get downhill and finish among the trees, split defenses, kick out to a shooter, and control the pace of the game is unique for a player yet to reach 20 years old.

This is the best basketball league in the world. These are grown men. You don't make a consistent impact like he has unless you're special. It's safe to say that he's got that box checked.

Nobody thought the Spurs would be this good this soon. Everyone knew Dylan had the chops to be a baller, but again, not a soul believed he'd be this effective already. This was a match made in Heaven, and the success that follows, starting this season, proves that.