The San Antonio Spurs wasted their in-state IH-35 rivals, the Dallas Mavericks on prime time TV (literally, the game was on Prime), improving to 3-0 in the season series. They were bigger, stronger and faster while setting a new season high of 74 points in the paint. They saw little resistance early because of turnovers and misses igniting transition opportunities, yet they also got sloppy with the ball and were caught shading inside the arc multiple times. That in turn gave the Mavs extra opportunities and prevented them from taking off with a large lead and instead, they were only up seven, 39-32, by the end of the first quarter.
A vintage Klay Thompson performance started in the second frame because the Spurs played him loosely, and the Wild Horses raised their pressure, forcing multiple turnovers and even briefly taking the lead. Then some lineup changes followed, and the Spurs’ avalanche ensued to close the half ahead by 14 points. Stephon Castle was the most impactful player of the half, scoring 21 points on an immaculate eight shots from short and long range, and he racked up four assists to three teammates. He got big-time help from Devin Vassell and Carter Bryant, too.
Castle made two more shots before missing for the first time in the third quarter, but he stayed in control, setting up teammates and piercing the heart of the defense for a new career high of 24 points. They eventually seized a 23-point lead thanks to more damage on the break and second-chance scoring, going into the fourth quarter. Then a few starters stayed in until the Mavs started giving up, and the final 12 minutes quickly turned into garbage time, allowing Castle to cap off his historic night with a 40-point, 12-rebound, 12-assist triple-double with a bang before sitting, and the Spurs’ third unit finished off the 138-125 win.
After the game, Castle was interviewed by the Amazon TV crew. He said it can be anyone’s night because it is a selfless team, but that it was his turn on Saturday. When asked about where he has made the biggest jump in his one-and-a-half seasons, he said, “I think just with my confidence. You know, just being able to read defenses.” He also cited his film work, and Wembanyama playing behind him for his success on defense.