Panalobet/News/San Antonio Spurs’ Winning Streak Snapped, Concerns Mount Over Rookie Star’s InjurySpurs’ Historic Start Ends as Dylan Harper Suffers Calf Injury
The San Antonio Spurs not only saw their five-game unbeaten run come to an end — the best season start in franchise history — but also faced a worrying setback as rookie sensation Dylan Harper suffered a calf injury.
During Sunday’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns, Harper exited the game after sustaining a non-contact injury to his right calf. The Spurs went on to lose 118–130, marking their first defeat of the season and halting their historic 5–0 start.
Wembanyama Struggles as Booker Shines
Victor Wembanyama struggled offensively, finishing with just 9 points, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 6 turnovers while shooting 4-for-14 from the field. On the other end, Devin Booker led Phoenix with 28 points and 13 assists on an efficient 10-of-15 shooting night.
The injury occurred midway through the second quarter when Harper planted his leg and jumped to contest a shot. Upon landing, the 19-year-old immediately grabbed his right calf, limped toward the sideline, and signaled for a substitution.
Although he managed to walk off under his own power, the Spurs’ medical staff ruled him out for the remainder of the game as a precaution. The team will conduct further imaging within the next 12 to 24 hours to determine the severity of the injury.
Rookie’s Strong Start to the Season
Harper, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has been a major bright spot for San Antonio early this season. With De’Aaron Fox sidelined by a preseason hamstring injury, Harper has stepped into a key playmaking role, averaging 14.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 0.8 steals per game while shooting 48.2% from the field and 35.7% from three prior to Sunday’s contest.
Any potential absence for Harper would further thin out the Spurs’ backcourt depth, already weakened by Fox’s ongoing recovery. With both guards possibly unavailable, Stephon Castle and Julian Champagnie are expected to shoulder increased responsibilities in the backcourt moving forward.
