The San Antonio Spurs shut down the Houston Rockets in the fourth quarter of their 111-99 win on Wednesday night, and while Victor Wembanyama stole the show, one overlooked player had a career game.
The San Antonio Spurs embarrassed the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night, coming back from down 15 points to win 111-99. The Spurs, of course, were led by Victor Wembanyama's masterful 28 points, 16 rebounds, five blocks, and two steals, although it was the overall team defense down the stretch that earned the win.
Stephon Castle has been struggling as of late, especially on the offensive side of the ball, although the Spurs got the best of him on Wednesday. He posted an efficient 16 points to go with six assists and two steals.
While Castle is a solid offensive player on most nights, his calling card is his defense. HGe was tasked with guarding both Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun, and the All-Star pair combined for just six fourth-quarter points on a single made field goal. After the game, Castle was praised nearly as much as Wembanyama was.
Stephon Castle Praised By Wemby, Mitch Johnson
Picked fourth overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Castle has quickly emerged as the best player from his class, and Wembanyama thinks the addition of the UConn product was the best move the Spurs have made during his tenure.
"Having a guy so good on both sides of the floor, it's just amazing," said Wembanyama. "Every game, I'm so glad we got him in the draft, it's amazing."
Castle, ever humble, understands that his defense is the best part of his game, and he wouldn't have it any other way.
"That's just that's a non-negotiable, you know, whether shots are going in or not," he explained. "I feel like that can't change my aggressiveness or my energy on that end. So I thought it was a great showing tonight."
Heading into Wednesday's game, Castle was averaging just 14.2 inefficient points since the New Year, although his defense kept him on the court. If the Spurs can get him playing consistently well on both ends of the floor, the sky is the limit.
"He's an All-NBA defender when he puts his energy and focus into the right areas," praised Mitch Johnson after the game. "And I thought tonight he was one."
Between Wembanyama and Castle both being elite defenders, and Carter Bryant lying in wait, it's not inconceivable that half of the All-Defensive teams could be based in San Antonio in the coming seasons.