Dylan Harper Picks 1 Word to Describe Spurs' Game 3 Mindset

The San Antonio Spurs have their backs against the wall heading into Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

The New York Knicks stole both Game 1 and Game 2 on the road in San Antonio, taking a 2-0 lead in the championship series heading into Madison Square Garden.

On Sunday, Spurs rookie Dylan Harper was asked for one word to describe San Antonio’s mindset heading into Monday night’s critical Game 3 matchup.

“Desperation,” Harper replied.

“I think for me, I feel like I’m at my best when I play with that type of desperation and I think that’s what’s kind of needed for this occasion,” he expanded. “I feel like I’m going to go out there and no matter what the circumstances, I think if I’m not playing with that type of fire or grit, I’m doing a disservice to everyone.”

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Despite losing both Game 1 and Game 2, Harper was solid in his first two NBA Finals appearances. The Spurs’ No. 2 overall pick from the 2025 NBA draft recorded 16 points and eight rebounds through 28 minutes in Game 1 and 15 points and six rebounds through 32 minutes in Game 2.

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Harper echoed his “desperate” sentiment on Monday.

“If we’re desperate and we do what we’re supposed to do,” Harper said when asked how the Spurs can win Game 3.

Game 3 will tipoff at 8:30 p.m. ET on Monday.

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This story was originally published June 8, 2026 at 7:43 PM.