Basketball Hall of Famer Paul Pierce shared his insights on the San Antonio Spurs during the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks. Speaking on the “Ticket & the Truth” podcast with former teammate Kevin Garnett, Pierce expressed his thoughts on a potential lineup adjustment for the Spurs.
After San Antonio secured their first win in the series, Pierce recommended that Dylan Harper be included in the starting lineup. He suggested that De’Aaron Fox should move to the bench due to his recent performances. Pierce stated, “Dylan Harper is playing well, but Harper is also effective coming off the bench.” He added that Fox, known as a scorer, has been struggling with his shots.
While Garnett credited the Knicks’ defense for Fox’s challenges, Pierce believed the Spurs might dominate the series if Fox came off the bench. Fox’s performance fluctuated in the series, with a notable 20-point showcase in Game 2, where he made 66.7 percent of his field goals, including both attempted three-pointers.
However, his output in Games 1 and 3 was considerably lower. In Game 1, Fox shot 23.1 percent, contributing just seven points in a 10-point loss. Game 3 saw slight improvement with 28.6 percent shooting, resulting in 12 points during a narrow four-point win for the Spurs.
Fox had dealt with a previous injury during the playoffs, leading to Harper stepping up in his absence. Despite Harper’s capable performances, Fox’s veteran experience remains a crucial factor, influencing head coach Mitch Johnson’s decision on their starting lineup.
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