The San Antonio Spurs have the best starting lineup in the NBA, evidenced by their +33.4 points per 100 possessions. Victor Wembanyama has been surrounded by point guards Stephon Castle, De'Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, and the sharpshooter Devin Vassell. Winners of eight in a row, it seems to be a recipe for success.

Harper is breaking out as a superstar, and Fox has returned to All-Star status after recovering from injury. Castle, meanwhile, has taken a bit of a step back. He got off to a hot start from 3-point range, but has since fallen back to Earth. His points, assists, and steals numbers are all down from last season, too.

In just his third year, it would be easy for him to become disgruntled with his lesser role in the offense. Instead, he's taken to relish doing the little things, and the Spurs are very appreciative.

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In the Spurs' most recent win over the Portland Trail Blazers, Castle finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. That's not super noteworthy, but it was the things that didn't land on the box score that stood out.

"I thought Steph Castle's competitiveness took over the game there from the middle to the late part of the second quarter," said Mitch Johnson. "I thought his competitiveness and physicality...took over the game there, just in terms of the physicality and the competitiveness he played with, the execution, and the poise and composure. I thought our guys followed him, and then I thought the other key to the game was in that stretch."

With six minutes left in the second, Castle subbed in for Carter Bryant. He quickly racked up four dimes, two rebounds, and a block. Plus, he got to the free-throw line, giving Toumani Camara his third foul early in the game.

That type of impact makes Castle one of the most important players on the roster.

"He had real poise tonight," added Wembanyama. "He was a true point guard. He knows how to do this.

While he's moved into an off-ball role this season behind Fox and Harper, Castle's competitiveness has kept him on the floor late in games, and the Spurs know they can count on him to take big shots with poise or stop the defense.