Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Derik Queen's Postgame Interaction With Dylan Harper Draws Attention

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ankit K. | Last updated Dec 9, 2025 6:38 AM ET

A heartwarming moment unfolded after Monday night’s thriller in New Orleans, as Derik Queen and Dylan Harper met at midcourt. There, the New Orleans Pelicans and San Antonio Spurs rookies exchanged their game worn jerseys.

The two rising stars opened their jerseys simultaneously, then posed while holding each other’s numbers, with Queen proudly displaying Harper’s #2 and Harper raising Queen’s #22.

Underdog NBA shared the clip on X with the caption, "The rookies showed out in New Orleans," as the commentators admired the show of mutual respect.

The rookies showed out in New Orleanspic.twitter.com/l7ZBnQFvFK
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) December 9, 2025

Queen delivered the most dominant performance of his young NBA career. He posted 33 points (11-15 FG), 10 rebounds, 10 assists. But that was not all, he also had four blocks in 33 minutes during the Pelicans’ narrow 135 to 132 loss to San Antonio.

With this performance, Queen has become the youngest player in franchise history to record a 25 point triple double. It highlights both his promise and his hunt for consistency through 25 games.

San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) drives to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen (22) during the first half at Smoothie King Center.Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Harper, meanwhile, helped lift the Spurs to victory with an impressive bounce back performance. After a tough shooting night in his previous outing, he responded with 22 points (10-16 FG), six assists, and three rebounds in just 26 minutes.

The rookie has now scored in double figures in five of his last six appearances and continues to be a playmaking force off the bench.

The game itself was a roller coaster. San Antonio built a 20-point halftime lead before New Orleans stormed back with a stunning 45-point third quarter. Queen led the surge with 29 second half points, but Harper’s go ahead floater with nine seconds left ultimately sealed the Spurs’ win.

Both teams were without stars Victor Wembanyama (Spurs) and Zion Williamson (Pelicans). Still, Queen and Harper ensured the spotlight never dimmed on the court or afterward.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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