Ron Harper Jr. scores career-high 22 points against Spurs

SAN ANTONIO, Texas. - Ron Harper Jr. had March 10 circled on his calendar all season long.

Boston had two games scheduled against the San Antonio Spurs this season on January 10 and March 10. Harper Jr.'s brother, Dylan Harper, is a rookie guard for the Spurs and a potential matchup between the two brothers was something Ron was already talking about, way back in November during Maine Celtics training camp.

"Me and him talk about that all the time," Ron explained. "If I'm grateful enough to check in, I hope they put me on him. You know, we could have a little brotherly battle like we used to do in the driveway."

With no Payton Pritchard available for Boston, and Jaylen Brown later getting ejected on Tuesday night after being issued a double technical, the stage was set for Harper and once again, the Celtics Two-Way player was ready to answer the call. Ron ignited for a career-high 22 points off the bench, doubling his previous career-high of 11 points set on February 4. Ron finished Tuesday's game shooting 8-of-11 from the floor, including 6-of-9 from three in 33 minutes.

“He’s continuing to get better on both ends of the floor,” Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said. “Tonight it was the shooting, but I think his defense is just as impactful as everyone else’s and just another guy that can impact winning for us.”

Across the floor, Dylan Harper contributed nine points, four rebounds, and five assists for San Antonio. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft may have been outscored by his older brother, but he got the last laugh as the Spurs secured a 125-116 victory — their 16th win in the last 17 games. Ron was not with the team during the first meeting between the Celtics and Spurs on January 10.

Early in the first quarter it looked like Ron and Dylan were out battling in the driveway. Ron checked into the game with 4:22 remaining in the frame with his 20-year-old brother already on the court. About two and a half minutes later, Dylan knocked down a mid-range jumper from the left elbow. Nine seconds later, Ron answered with a 3-pointer from the left corner.

Tuesday marked the second time Ron and Dylan Harper met on a national stage. During NBA All-Star Weekend, the two brothers battled in the Castrol Rising Stars event, with Dylan's team coming out on top. They also teamed up with their father, hall of famer Ron Harper Sr. in the Shooting Stars Competition.

While the San Antonio Spurs walked away with the win, Harper's performance was the latest display of the Two-Way player's development. In 18 games with the Maine Celtics, Harper has averaged 25.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists on 47.4% shooting. He's only appeared in 10 out of 30 regular season contests in the G League, last appearing for Maine on February 1, when Harper poured in 31 points and 12 rebounds against the Knicks. He's proven to be valuable for the big club in Boston, where Harper has appeared in a career-high 19 games, averaging 4.1 points and 1.8 rebounds in 11.9 minutes per game.

Harper's standout performance echoes another message he delivered during the preseason. On Tuesday, Ron's shooting took center stage, but it's been his ability to do the small things, make the effort plays, that's made him a valuable player both in Boston and in Maine.

"My mindset doesn't change it's the same. We have a war zone mentality," Harper said. I'm willing to dive on a loose ball and willing to do all the little things in order to win. You have to come with the right mentality whether you are in Boston or in Maine."

That mentality is paying off for the Rising Star.