All offseason, many saw the Spurs as a team that would live or die by the hands of Victor Wembanyama. What they didn't realize is [how awesome the Spurs bench is](https://airalamo.com/spurs-special-benefit-make-them-impossible-shake), and we got full proof of that last night against the Pelicans.
The Silver and Black bench mob is constructed of several players who could be starters on different teams. Whether it's rookie Dylan Harper, who may get his opportunity soon, or Luke Kornet, the perfect role-playing center, the Spurs have all the right pieces. While many doubted whether this group could stand firm without their leader, they came to play on Friday night.
The Spurs secondary unit went on a 14-0 run to save the night
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As things were starting to get grim for the Spurs in the 4th quarter when Wembanyama checked out of the game amidst an eight-point deficit, no one expected what was about to happen next.
Kicking off what was the best four-minute stretch of the night, Harper got things rolling with his first three-ball of the game. Following an excellent defensive possession by Kornet on Pelicans' star Zion Williamson, the rookie kept it coming with a hasty drive and finish at the rim.
The buckets would continue to pour on as Harrison Barnes would get a pair of his own, and Harper found himself at the free-throw line. All of a sudden, the Spurs were playing with a fiery passion. With energy coursing through the bodies of the now electrified unit, the defense was playing lights out.
The onslaught would continue for the next 3 minutes, allowing multiple Spurs to get involved. Harper and Barnes were the stars of the show offensively, while everyone was contributing to a stout defense. It was hard to miss the immense hustle the guys were playing with, and their fierce attention to the glass was astounding.
Spurs' supporting players proved they can sustain without Wembanyama
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This jaw-dropping effort helped the Spurs get back into the game, even without their star. As the game rolled into overtime, the effort kept up. Once again, without Wembanyama, Harper and the gang continued to pile it on and prove that they cannot be messed with. This kind of performance should not go without recognition.
The Spurs must survive when Wembanyama is not on the court. If the Spurs want to be the team they hope to be, it is vital that other players show up. We know the Alien can will the team to victory with his out-of-this-world plays, but that won't hold up in a deep Western Conference.
Moments like last night will be the reason that the Spurs take the leap we all expected of them. Most importantly, Dylan Harper is already looking to be a staple of the Spurs' core. Once he cleans up the mistakes, [this kid has the potential to be elite](https://airalamo.com/dylan-harper-painfully-obvious-blueprint-reaching-stardom-with-spurs), and we are already seeing it. The future is bright in San Antonio, and the evidence has already presented itself.