The Rockets' defense is the challenge Dylan Harper needs for a bounce-back performance

After a rough opening-night loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the San Antonio Spurs have a great opportunity to bounce back in a Friday night showdown with the Houston Rockets. It'll also give Dylan Harper a chance to find his offensive rhythm against another elite perimeter defense. Like the Thunder, they'll test his growth as an all-around scorer.

Harper wasn't bad in his performance on Tuesday, but he definitely could have been better. He scored 18 points and found some success getting downhill and finishing at the rim, but struggled to get his jump shot to fall. He went 0-2 from long range.

But these are the types of challenges he should embrace as he steps into a bigger role for the Spurs. Friday's battle against an intriguing Rockets defense will be another much-needed early-season test for the second-year star.

The Houston Rockets' defense is no joke

The Rockets were already an elite defensive group last season, but with Fred VanVleet's return and the addition of Marcus Smart, they should be even tougher on that side of the floor. In their win against the Dallas Mavericks, they were pesky on the perimeter, combining for four steals.

These are two experienced guards who have proven they can guard at a high level throughout their careers. Amen Thompson is someone else to consider, with his athleticism and versatility on that side of the floor.

This team has plenty of defensive depth, so Harper must find ways to be an effective scorer in this matchup. Obviously, he'll have his opportunities to finish at the rim, but when he can't, how will he find other ways to tack points on the board?

His jump shot will be a massive equalizer in this matchup. When those downhill drives aren't available, he'll need to make shots from beyond the arc or the mid-range to make a bigger impact on the Spurs' offense than what we saw in Tuesday's game against the Thunder.

Harper's three-point shooting will be important

Harper will start next to Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox, so being able to space the floor is not much of an option. It's a necessity for the Spurs' offense. Without him being a threat from distance, the Rockets' defenders can pack in closer to the paint and clog up driving lanes.

We know that Harper is dynamic when the ball is in his hands, but for this team to function at its best, he must prove that he can also be a threat playing off of others. We saw him do that at times during his rookie season, now he must continue to grow in that area with his jumpshot.

The second-year guard needs a bounce-back performance after an underwhelming season opener. Finding his groove against a tough Houston Rockets defense is the best way to get back on track.

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