On February 7, 2025, rookie Stephon Castle delivered a remarkable performance with 33 points, leading his team, but unfortunately, the San Antonio Spurs fell short to the Charlotte Hornets with a nail-biting final score of 117-116.
Throughout the game, Castle demonstrated his offensive prowess, shooting 66.7% from the field with 10 successful shots out of 15 attempts. He also made 3 of 5 tries from beyond the arc, achieving a commendable 60.0% success rate. Castle’s scoring exceeded his projected tally by 20 points, marking this game as one of his career milestones with 30 or more points.
Despite Castle's exceptional effort on the court, the Spurs as a whole struggled with their shooting, managing only 45.7% efficiency compared to the Hornets' performance. Castle, along with his teammates, faced difficulties with rebounding, ending the game at 38 total rebounds to Charlotte's 53, which significantly affected their chances of securing the win.
“Miles Bridges knocked down a 3-pointer from the corner off a wraparound feed from LaMelo Ball with 1.4 seconds left to lift Charlotte to victory,” wrote Doug Haller. This last-second play exemplified the thrilling finish of the match, where the Spurs had battled fiercely but could not clinch the win.
Castle logged 31 minutes of play, and alongside his scoring, he contributed 4 rebounds and 2 assists, culminating in 36.8 fantasy points and achieving a player efficiency rating of 37.6. These stats are impressive for any player but particularly notable for someone at the beginning of their NBA career.
The Hornets saw significant contributions from players other than Castle. Miles Bridges led Charlotte's scoring with 25 points. His performance was instrumental, particularly his decisive three-pointer late in the game. LaMelo Ball also returned to the lineup after injury, contributing 24 points and 10 assists, which made evident the importance of his presence to the team's dynamics.
Nick Smith Jr. added to the Hornets’ effort with 19 points, marking his fourth consecutive game with at least this number of points, showcasing his growing role on the team. Charlotte's offense was particularly effective, producing 27 second-chance points compared to the Spurs' measly 9, demonstrating their ability to capitalize on missed opportunities.
Following the close finish, the Spurs felt their chances slip away, particularly as De’Aaron Fox had tied the game with less than a minute remaining but unfortunately, his buzzer-beater three-pointer was disallowed after referee review, sealing the Spurs' fate.
Despite the disappointment, Castle’s performance provided optimism for Spurs fans, hinting at his potential as he adjusts to the league. The team’s next challenge lies away at Orlando, where they will seek to bounce back from this narrow defeat.
Castle's notable performance underscored not just his scoring capabilities but also his emergence as one of the key players for the Spurs. His ability to step up during high-pressure moments will be something fans will be eager to follow as the season progresses.