Fil-Am

Fil-Ams Dylan Harper, Jordan Clarkson share NBA Finals spotlight

The Fil-Am stars shine as Game 3 delivers high tension and late-game swings

By: Gavin Martinez - @inquirerdotnet

INQUIRER.net US Bureau / 09:22 PM June 09, 2026

Dylan Harper, Jordan Clarkson NBA Finals

AP Photos

History quietly unfolded on the NBA’s biggest stage as Filipino American guards Jordan Clarkson and Dylan Harper found themselves on opposite sides of a Finals battle.

This marked the first time two Fil-Am players have competed against each other in an NBA Finals game.

Game 3 between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs delivered high tension and late-game swings, with the Spurs finally escaping with a 115-111 win to take the series to 2-1.

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San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) shoots during Game 3 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the New York Knicks, Monday, June 8, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

New York Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson (00) shoots past San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie during Game 3 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Monday, June 8, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Back-to-back three-pointers

But for many fans, especially the global Filipino basketball community, the defining moment came in the third quarter when Clarkson and Harper exchanged back-to-back three-pointers.

The Spurs’ Fil-Am rookie guard endured a difficult shooting night, finishing just 1-of-8 from deep. Despite the inefficiency, he remained open about his confidence in his shot selection and mentality.

“I’m never gonna shoot that again…they all felt good coming out of my hands. They just didn’t go in today,” Harper said, acknowledging his struggles from beyond the arc in Game 3.

Still, Harper had approached the game with a clear mindset centered on aggression and competitive fire. Ahead of tip-off, he emphasized the emotional edge he believed was necessary in a Finals environment.

“Desperation. I think for me I feel like I’m at my best when I play with that type of desperation and I think that’s what’s kind of needed for this occasion. I feel like I’m going to go out there and no matter what the circumstances, I think if I’m not playing with that type of fire or grit, I’m doing a disservice to everyone,” he said.

While Harper battled through an off night, the Spurs managed to secure the win and swing momentum back in their favor.