Nelson Morales

Knicks' Clarkson, Spurs' Harper bring Pinoy pride to NBA Finals

Article (news)

TJ Manotoc

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780215850013AFP__20260520__2277191501__v1__HighRes__ClevelandCavaliersVNewYorkKnicksGameOne.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Jordan Clarkson #00 of the New York Knicks reacts after scoring a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter in Game One of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden on May 19, 2026 in New York City. Sarah Stier, Getty Images/AFP" width="960"/>Jordan Clarkson #00 of the New York Knicks reacts after scoring a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter in Game One of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden on May 19, 2026 in New York City. Sarah Stier, Getty Images/AFP</div>For the first time ever, two Filipino-American players will feature in the NBA Finals with Dylan Harper and the San Antonio Spurs set to face off against Jordan Clarkson and the New York Knicks.Harper and the Spurs booked their place in the Finals after ousting defending champions Oklahoma City in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals, 111-103.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/5/31/spurs-dethrone-thunder-to-reach-nba-finals-against-knicks-1207">READ: Spurs dethrone Thunder to reach NBA Finals against Knicks</a></div>Harper, the second overall pick in the 2025 NBA Rookie Draft, had another solid performance off the bench, contributing 12 points, seven rebounds, and three assists in 27 minutes. It capped a strong series for the 20-year-old as he helped the Spurs return to the Finals for the first time since 2014.The Rutgers standout has been exceeding expectations in his first playoff appearance, even recording seven steals in San Antonio&#x27;s Game 1 win against the Thunder. Harper has also drawn praise from Spurs coach Mitch Johnson for showing maturity beyond his years in his rookie campaign.Set to go up against them in the Finals are the Knicks, who will be well-rested after sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals.Clarkson, who memorably played for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, is averaging 5.4 points and almost two rebounds per game in roughly 12 minutes per contest during their playoff run.For the 2021 Sixth Man of the Year, this will be his second NBA Finals. Clarkson was also part of the LeBron James-led Cleveland squad in 2018 that fell short against the Golden State Warriors.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/5/26/knicks-sweep-cavs-to-reach-first-nba-finals-since-1999-1109">READ: Knicks sweep Cavs to reach first NBA Finals since 1999</a></div>It will be a special Finals series for the basketball-mad Philippines, as they get to see two Filipino-Americans on basketball&#x27;s biggest stage.“It’s a blessing to represent the Philippines, where I’m from. I think me and Jordan Clarkson are doing a great job doing that,” said Harper.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780215878235AFP__20260531__2278342383__v1__MidRes__SanAntonioSpursVOklahomaCityThunderGameSeven.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game Seven of the NBA Western Conference Finals on May 30, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Jesse D. Garrabrant, NBAE via Getty Images/AFP" width="960"/>Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game Seven of the NBA Western Conference Finals on May 30, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Jesse D. Garrabrant, NBAE via Getty Images/AFP</div>In recent years, an influx of Filipino-American players have come into the league, with Jalen Green being drafted by Houston, while Dylan&#x27;s older brother, Ron Jr., is a two-way player for the Boston Celtics. Jared McCain, who plays for Oklahoma City, says he traces his roots to the Philippines as well through his mother.Harper is now walking through the doors that Raymond Townsend and later, Clarkson, opened for Filipino-Americans. This year&#x27;s Finals also rekindles an old rivalry between New York and San Antonio, as they had faced off in 1999 wherein Tim Duncan and David Robinson defeated the Knicks powered by Patrick Ewing, Latrell Spreewell, and Allan Houston.The 2026 NBA Finals tips off on June 3 (June 4 in Manila), with the Spurs hosting the Knicks in Game 1.

For the first time ever, two Filipino-American players will feature in the NBA Finals with Dylan Harper and the San Antonio Spurs set to face off against Jordan Clarkson and the New York Knicks.

For the first time ever, two Filipino-American players will feature in the NBA Finals with Dylan Harper and the San Antonio Spurs set to face off against Jordan Clarkson and the New York Knicks.