Stephon Castle stats tonight: Spurs rookie tallies double-double in 1st game after eventful All-Star weekend? (Feb. 20)
Stephon Castle emerged as one of the standout performers of All-Star Weekend, competing on all three nights of the event. His team secured victory in the Rising Stars Game, he finished as the runner-up in the Slam Dunk Contest and he put up a strong fight against seasoned players in the All-Star Game.
However, as he and the San Antonio Spurs resumed regular-season play, they were met with the unfortunate news that Victor Wembanyama would miss the remainder of the season due to a blood clot in his shoulder.
Fortunately for San Antonio, Castle remains a bright spot for the franchise. Though he plays a different position, the rookie is the leading candidate for Rookie of the Year and continues to showcase his versatile skill set. He displayed that versatility as he tallied a double-double in the Spurs’ 120-109 win.
Coming off the bench, Castle checked in midway through the first quarter and made an immediate impact. He closed the period with a pair of free throws, a floater, and a dunk, helping the Spurs take a 31-21 lead.
Phoenix responded in the second quarter, cutting the deficit to six points by halftime. Royce O’Neal and Kevin Durant combined for 25 points in the opening half to fuel the Suns’ comeback attempt.
For the Spurs, De’Aaron Fox led the way in the first half with 13 points, while Castle and Chris Paul contributed eight each.
The Spurs had a strong third quarter, outscoring the Suns by nine and building a lead that Phoenix ultimately could not overcome, despite outscoring San Antonio by four in the fourth.
Fox led the Spurs with 26 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. All but two Spurs players scored in double digits: Keldon Johnson and Julian Champagnie each had 15 points, Devin Vassell added 13, Chris Paul finished with 13, Jeremy Sochan had 12 and Stephon Castle contributed 10.
Below are Stephon Castle’s complete stats.
Stephon Castle reflects on his All-Star weekend experience
Between the Rising Stars Challenge, Slam Dunk Contest and All-Star Game, Stephon Castle had a packed schedule over All-Star Weekend. Despite the heavy workload, the Spurs rookie considered his first All-Star experience a major success.
“I'd say it was a successful weekend. I got to participate in events all three days,” Castle said.
While the All-Star festivities drew criticism for their format and production, Castle made the most of his opportunity.
He was named MVP of the Rising Stars Game, finished second in the dunk contest to Mac McClung — who claimed his third straight title — and continued to showcase his talent against Shaq’s OGs in the All-Star Game.
“As a rookie, I feel like that's a successful weekend.”
Stephon Castle averages 12.9 points, 3.5 assists and 2.8 rebounds this season and is the current betting favorite for Rookie of the Year.