The San Antonio Spurs are demonstrating the full spectrum of their abilities leading up to the Western Conference Finals. Star player Victor Wembanyama praises a teammate’s exceptional performance.
While it’s not a groundbreaking or new observation, and their previous opponents undoubtedly lacked the caliber of the Oklahoma City Thunder, it’s worth reiterating after the Texan team’s entry into the NBA Western Conference Finals: the San Antonio Spurs are far more than just Victor Wembanyama and a capable supporting cast. They are considerably more.
Stephon Castle’s impact in the Game 6 blowout victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves was evident to the naked eye. Analysis confirmed it looked exceptionally good! A look at the stats solidified it: remarkable! However, the feedback from the team’s undisputed superstar was the crowning moment.
«He was incredible,» Wembanyama stated about Castle, lauding his teammate’s «composure» and playmaking abilities. Castle, who will be just 22 years old in November, is ten months younger than the already youthful Frenchman: «He was great. He took his shots when he should have taken them and made them. And when he should have passed, he passed the ball.»
Head Coach Mitch Johnson described Castle as «pretty damned good,» a sentiment that needs no translation.
Stephon Castle Posts Numbers on Par with Spurs Legends
Castle stood out among the guards who dictated the game’s rhythm more than Wembanyama typically does. In a historic playoff series-clinching game, Castle became only the fifth player in the storied history of the Spurs, rich with highlights and legends, to record a stat line of at least 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. Previously, only greats like Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, David Robinson, and George Gervin had achieved this feat. Castle’s performance was 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists in just 30 minutes, with impressive shooting percentages: 11/16 from the field, 5/7 from three-point range, and 5/6 from the free-throw line. This doesn’t even account for his physical intensity and defensive energy.
However, Castle was far from a solo act. He was the leader of an outstanding trio that capitalized on Minnesota’s defensive focus shifting towards Wembanyama, at least somewhat limiting his impact. The «Defensive Player of the Year» had a relatively modest 19 points and 6 rebounds, along with 4 turnovers.
Castle Forms an Outstanding Trio with Fox and Harper
Alongside Castle, De’Aaron Fox delivered a remarkable performance. He became the first Spur since Kawhi Leonard to score over 20 points in a playoff game with an 80 percent field goal percentage. Fox was flawless from three-point range (3/3) and the free-throw line (2/2), finishing with 21 points, adding 9 assists, and shining with two blocked shots.
Then there’s Dylan Harper, who just turned 20 in March and already represents a significant promise for the future. Coming off the bench, he contributed 5 rebounds and 15 points, impressively converting 6 out of 8 field goal attempts. Castle gladly shared the spotlight with his two other backcourt teammates. «Any one of us could have their big moment on a given night,» said the 21-year-old.
«Veteran» Fox Offers «Little Tips» and «Cheat Sheets»
Fox, at 28 years old, is practically a Methuselah by Spurs standards. He provided insight into the trio’s chemistry. «Our rotations are set up so that two of us are always on the court,» he explained. «We can play with anyone. We can all drive to the basket, we hit our open shots. We create opportunities for ourselves and for the other guys. That adds to the team’s overall dynamic.»
Despite his greater experience compared to the youngsters, the 28-year-old doesn’t see himself as a mentor, or only partially so. He offers «little tips» because Castle and Harper «are just so talented already.» He continued, «I give them a cheat sheet, so to speak, to help them navigate the league. I try to add to what they already can do. But they can already do a great deal.»
To overcome the Oklahoma City Thunder, it will likely require every ounce of talent, experience, and quality the Spurs roster possesses. Harper commented after Game 6 against the Timberwolves that the experience of advancing through two rounds has been «huge for the team,» but «what awaits us on Monday is a completely different thing.»
San Antonio Spurs: Playoff Stats for Wemby, Fox, Castle, and Harper
| Name | MIN | PTS | REB | ASS | FG % | 3P % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victor Wembanyama | 28.8 | 20.3 | 10.7 | 2.4 | 53.8 | 34.1 |
| Stephon Castle | 31.8 | 19.9 | 4.9 | 6.1 | 49.0 | 44.0 |
| De’Aaron Fox | 33.3 | 18.8 | 3.5 | 5.8 | 46.2 | 34.6 |
| Dylan Harper | 25.2 | 13.7 | 5.1 | 2.2 | 56.6 | 37.5 |