Basketball Hall of Famer Paul Pierce suggests that the San Antonio Spurs might improve their odds against the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals with a key lineup adjustment. Speaking on the “Ticket & the Truth” podcast with Kevin Garnett, Pierce discussed the series after the Spurs’ initial victory.

According to Pierce, San Antonio should consider starting Dylan Harper. “If I’m San Antonio, I’m bringing Fox off the bench. I’ve had enough. Dylan Harper is playing too good, but on the flipside, Harper is good coming off the bench,” he stated. Pierce noted that De’Aaron Fox has been vital for the Knicks, despite his shooting struggles.

He gotta make shots. I look at Fox as a scorer, bro. He is not hitting shots,” Pierce emphasized. “Fox has always been known as a scorer. He’s getting good looks, too. It’s not like they doing anything in the scouting report to limit Fox … He’s just not making shots.

Kevin Garnett attributed Fox’s difficulties to the Knicks’ robust defense. Pierce disagreed, believing the Spurs could potentially dominate if they repositioned Fox. Despite a strong performance from Fox in Game 2, where he scored 20 points on 66.7 percent shooting, his efforts resulted in a narrow one-point loss for the Spurs.

Conversely, Fox’s performances in Games 1 and 3 were less impressive. In Game 1, the Spurs lost by 10 points, and Fox shot 23.1 percent, scoring only seven points. In Game 3, despite a four-point victory for the Spurs, Fox managed a mere 28.6 percent shooting and 12 points.

Fox, a veteran presence for the Spurs, faced injury challenges earlier in the playoffs, allowing Harper to step in and perform well. Though Harper’s inexperience contrasts with Fox’s veteran skills, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson appears committed to Fox’s starting role.