Dylan Harper jogged out after injury, looking ready to play — medical staff had other plans
· Yahoo Sports
Dylan Harper didn't look ready to call it a night after suffering a right leg injury. The 2025 No. 2 overall pick left in the third quarter of Game 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, the San Antonio Spurs' do-it-all rookie reappeared near the bench shortly after, jogging back toward the with what looked like a return in mind. He didn't make it.
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A member of the Spurs' medical staff met him before he got to the bench and sent him back, ending his night at 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting in a 122-113 loss that evened the Western Conference Finals at one game apiece.
Dylan Harper came running out the locker room ready to return to the game and was instantly sent back
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) May 21, 2026
Harper was visibly frustrated pic.twitter.com/xv4vHh7q54
Could Dylan Harper have returned from injury in Game 2?
This is the million-dollar question. It was initially cited on the broadcast that Harper thought he had to shoot free throws, but the video shows Harper's apparent frustration after being sent back to the locker room again. Going one step further, the fact Harper didn't appear to be moving too gingerly while jogging out provided some reason for optimism about a potential Game 2 return.
The severity of Harper's injury is unknown. However, considering his breakout performance in Game 1 with 24 points, 11 rebounds, seven steals and six assists, the Spurs would benefit significantly if he's able to make a quick return. Tack on De'Aaron Fox's lingering ankle injury, and Harper's status becomes even more vital as the Spurs continue their push to the NBA Finals.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Dylan Harper looked ready to return after Game 2 injury, Spurs had other plans