The San Antonio Spurs beat the Los Angeles Lakers in NBA Cup play and will advance to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in the semifinals in Las Vegas.
The San Antonio Spurs cruised past the Los Angeles Lakers in NBA Cup play on Wednesday night, winning 132-119. Stephon Castle led the Spurs with a 30-point double-double, setting a season high in just his second game back from injury.
The star-studded Lakers, meanwhile, were largely shut down. Yes, Luka Doncic scored 35 points, but both LeBron James and Austin Reaves posted under 20 points apiece. The Spurs simply looked like the better team, even without their best player.
Victor Wembanyama remains out with a calf injury, although there is still a chance he will return in time for the December 13th semifinal game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
In his absence, the Spurs have enjoyed marquee performances from the supporting cast. In the past, it's been Dylan Harper, Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, Keldon Johnson, and De'Aaron Fox.
Against the Lakers, it was Castle's turn.
"That's Steph every day," praised Barnes after the game. "I think he has a passion and a fire to play this game. I know getting injured and missing time was difficult for him, but he was still using his voice. He was still present with the group, and to be able to come out and have the game that he did today on a minute restriction was big."
In true "Spurs fashion," Castle is one of the more subdued players, at least on the court and in front of the media. In the locker room and on the practice court, however, he sets the tone even when he's not 100% healthy.
"For us as a group, I think it's great as we continue to evolve this thing and continue to help those three continue to figure out ways to be effective," said Barnes of his guard trio, tipping his hat especially to Harper and Castle.
Harper remained effective off the bench, following his 22-point game against the New Orleans Pelicans with 13 against the Lakers, although Keldon Johnson led the second unit with 17 points.
On Saturday, the Spurs will need all hands on deck as they play the Thunder in Vegas. While the Spurs have cruised for most of the season, the Thunder are a totally different animal.
The Thunder are coming off a 138-89 beatdown over the Suns in their knockout game, and have been the hottest team in the entire NBA all season long. It's the first of three December matchups the Spurs will have with the Thunder, and their chances will improve greatly if Wembanyama can return.
Even with a fully healthy roster, even a close game would be considered a victory against the juggernaut OKC team.