Dylan Harper's three-point shooting is the key that unlocks Spurs' guard trifecta

There were plenty of positives in the San Antonio Spurs' win against the Dallas Mavericks, including Dylan Harper's best performance of the season. He scored 22 points, draining 50% of his shots and connecting on three of his eight long-range attempts. That last thing is so important; for the Spurs' guard trifecta to be at its best, he must find ways to shoot the ball like that consistently.

Harper was far from bad in his first two games of the season, but he definitely could have been better. Sure, we got glimpses of his unique ability to get to the basket at will and finish over defenders, but his three-point shot wasn't falling. He shot a combined 1-for-6 from downtown in those matchups against the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets.

But his performance on Saturday night was exactly what the Spurs needed. He blended his elite paint scoring with an efficient shooting display from beyond the arc, giving fans some confidence in the new three-guard starting lineup featuring him, De'Aaron Fox, and Stephon Castle.

The Spurs need each of their guards to shoot the ball well from distance

Earlier this month, De'Aaron Fox spoke about the importance of the three-point shot for the Spurs' backcourt trio.

"It's going to be huge," Fox told Matt Guzman. "Obviously, we have a talented group, especially in the backcourt. When we're making shots, it allows other guys to get downhill. We can spread the defense out."

I couldn't agree more. He, Harper, and Castle are among the best in the league at beating defenders off the dribble to get downhill, but it'll be hard for them to do that without enough spacing. Opponents would have no issue packing in closer to the paint to cut off those drives if there's no reason to stay home on perimeter shooters.

Saturday night's victory over the Mavericks was the first time each of them had found success beyond the arc. Fox connected on 50% of his looks, while Harper and Castle both went three-for-eight. Here's an even more promising sight: most of those makes came from off the catch. Those are the exact shots each of them must hit to optimize their ability to get to the rim.

Harper's shooting is the key to his All-Star season

Not only is Harper's improved three-point shooting crucial to unlocking that three-guard lineup, but it's also a big part of him living up to high individual expectations. After his impressive showing in the playoffs, many expect the young guard to make an All-Star leap in his second season.

For that to become a reality, he must perfect his long ball. Defenses will find ways to keep him out of the paint throughout the season, so he needs a reliable jump shot to fall back on when he's not able to dominate on the interior.

The Spurs are just three games into the 2026-27 campaign, so they have plenty of time to find their rhythm on the offensive end. If their guard trifecta can consistently put together shooting nights as they did against the Mavericks, the rest of the league should be worried.

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