The San Antonio Spurs cruised past the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night thanks to a career-best game from second-year guard Stephon Castle.
The San Antonio Spurs, for the third time this season, easily beat the Dallas Mavericks. On Saturday, the Spurs hosted their in-state rivals for the first time, beating them 138-125.
While Victor Wembanyama and Carter Bryant showed off on defense, it was Stephon Castle who stole the show. He scored an efficient 40 points to go with 12 boards and 12 assists. He also racked up three steals for good measure, looking like the best player on the floor for the entire game.
His two-way impact and cool control of the contest drew comparisons to Kawhi Leonard on social media, and it was apparent that Castle should long be the second-best player on Wemby's Spurs.
Stephon Castle Makes NBA, Spurs' History
Castle was the ninth San Antonio player to record a 30-point triple-double, but he became the first since David Robinson to post at least ten rebounds and ten assists with 40 points.
After the game, he was handed the drumstick to lead the Jackals--and the rest of the home fans--in their new post-game tradition.
As if making Spurs' history wasn't good enough, he became the youngest player in NBA history to put up 40 points, a dozen assists, and rebounds.
While Castle stole the show, the Spurs' future rests firmly with Wembanyama. However, Wemby came up short in this one, offering only 16 points. However, between Castle's domination, Carter Bryant's rise, and Dylan Harper's steady play off the bench, it's easy to say that the Spurs have the best young core in the entire NBA.
If Bryant and Castle can elevate their average play to be even half as good as it was against Dallas, both will clearly be on the star track. Of course, that's already the case for Castle, who is already rivaling De'Aaron Fox as the second-best player on the roster.
Castle's "untouchable" status was never really in question before the NBA trade deadline, although it's clear that he's a key part of the Spurs' plans moving forward, and his two-way talents and ability to take over games cannot be understated. Expect the Spurs to keep giving him a larger and larger role as the season goes on. He has "playoff riser" written all over him, so those extra reps should pay off.