Stephon Castle Stats Tonight: How did the Spurs rookie fare against Atlanta Hawks? (Dec. 19)
Stephon Castle and the San Antonio Spurs hosted the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday. The rookie didn’t get into the game until 5:20 in the first quarter. He came in to relieve Harrison Barnes.
Castle went 0-for-3 in the opening period but contributed two assists. The former UConn star also shadowed Hawks superstar Trae Young on defense. Castle helped the Spurs to a 36-29 lead after the first 12 minutes ended.
The No. 4 pick in the 2024 NBA draft again came off the bench in the second quarter. He couldn’t score still but sustained his impact on playmaking and defense. The Spurs gave up control of the game and trailed 66-60 at halftime.
Stephon Castle joined the scoring fray in the third quarter. He had seven points in the period while sustaining his defensive presence. San Antonio regained the lead 90-87 heading into the fourth quarter. The Spurs played its first overtime game of the season.
Castle did not play in overtime as the San Antonio Spurs outlasted the Atlanta Hawks 133-126.
Castle started the fourth quarter but did not last long on the floor. Chris Paul took him out with 8:04 remaining in the game. The rookie sat on the bench as the Spurs and the Hawks battled to a 120-120 tie in regulation.
Stephon Castle has struggled off the bench in his last two games
San Antonio Spurs coach Mitch Johnson adjusted his starting lineup by letting Devin Vassell take over Stephon Castle's spot. Vassell joined Victor Wembanyama, Jeremy Sochan, Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes in the first five.
Castle has struggled offensively to adjust to the role. Against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, he had two points in 23 minutes. The rookie went 1-for-8, including 0-for-3 from deep.
On Thursday against the Atlanta Hawks, Castle made his biggest impact on the defensive end. He again had a rough-shooting night, finishing the game on 3-for-10 shooting. Over his last two games off the bench, he is 4-for-18 and missed all five attempts from deep.