Unsettling Spurs backcourt trend has to stop if they want to extend playoff run

The Spurs are in unfamiliar territory, going into an elimination game down 3-2 for the first time this postseason. One thing is for certain: De'Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper need to step up if San Antonio wants to tie the series up in Game 6.

They couldn't get it going in last night's loss. "If Fox and Harper combine for 14 points on 20 shots, that ain't gonna cut it," Tim McMahon states on the Hoop Collective podcast. "[The Spurs] need two of their three guards, at least, to play well."

Now, both Harper and Fox are nursing injuries. But here's the harsh truth: they need to perform. It's as simple as that. They're going for all the marbles in Game 6 in a win-or-go-home scenario for the first time this postseason. Without an improved offensive attack from these two, they're in huge trouble.

De'Aaron Fox just hasn't found his stride this series

It's been an up-and-down playoff run for De'Aaron Fox. He's had some awesome moments, but also a handful of disappointing ones. Generally, he's been struggling with scoring consistency, averaging 17 points per game on some less-than-flattering shooting splits.

It's not like Fox is some inexperienced postseason performer. In his first career playoff appearance, he averaged 27 points per game in a tight, seven-game series against the Golden State Warriors. Now, his role is different in San Antonio compared to Sacramento, but the point is simple: he's already shown he can get it done on this stage.

His blend of ball handling, shot creation, and aggressiveness going to the rim is going to be a huge key for San Antonio if they want to tie this series up on Thursday. He's due for a big night, as he's averaging just 12 points per game on just 38% shooting.

Dylan Harper needs to replicate what he did earlier this series

I'm less disappointed with Dylan Harper and his issues against the Thunder. He's a rookie playing in the Western Conference Finals, and he's also nursing an injury, so his hitting a wall was to be expected. He's been so good this postseason that we almost forgot how early he is in his career.

But, like Fox, he's already shown he can perform at this level, so it's fair to ask more from him in Game 6. He was explosive early on in this series, posting 24 points in Game 1 along with six assists and seven steals. But he's come down to earth, failing to reach double figures in his last three.

His ability to score in the paint was such a weapon for San Antonio in the first two rounds, and there were even times when he was their most reliable source of offense out of the backcourt. He has to adapt and respond to OKC's perimeter defense in Game 6 if the Spurs want to make this series go the distance.

The good thing is this: we know Fox and Harper can get it going. They're not out of their league at all. They just need to flip the switch in order for the Spurs to extend their impressive postseason run.

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