Spurs Starter, Thursday, January 16, 2025: Stephon Castle Notches Career High 26 Points

SAN ANTONIO — A second-half slippage saw the San Antonio Spurs drop their first of two straight games against the Memphis Grizzlies at home.

Amid the disappointment, as acting coach Mitch Johnson put it, Stephon Castle served as a small silver lining. The rookie notched a career high 26 points in 32 minutes and helped keep the Spurs in the game as it waned.

Following the loss, however, that wasn't where his mind was.

"We got away from our game plan," Castle explained. "We did a good job on it in the first half, but let them touch the paint too much (in the second half). That sparked some runs for them."

Prior to the game, Mitch Johnson addressed the fluctuation of Castle's role as he cycles between starting and bench minutes. Any player would prefer more minutes to fewer, as he pointed out — Castle included.

The reason for it? He gels. But Castle doesn't want to be limited to that.

"It's definitely a skill to have," Castle said. "I just feel like I have to be better coming off the bench."

Now, on to the headlines:

The News

1. Read: Zach Collins Talks Victor Wembanyama, State of NBA Big Men

San Antonio Spurs center Zach Collins discussed the state of big men in the NBA and Victor Wembanyama's meteoric rise in an interview with Brandon 'Scoop B' Robinson.

2. Read: Spurs 2-Way Rookie Riley Minix to Miss Rest of Season with Injury

After a stellar start to his rookie season with the Austin Spurs, two-way rookie Riley Minix will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing successful surgery on a torn labrum in his left shoulder.

3. Read: Chris Paul's Quiet Act, 'Bigger Than Basketball' Legacy in Los Angeles

The San Antonio Spurs spent five days in Los Angeles awaiting a chance to hit the court against the Lakers. When it finally happened, Chris Paul had a chance to make the trip mean more than just a win in the standings.

Today's Schedule

No game scheduled | Next vs. Memphis Grizzlies, Friday, Jan. 17 (8:30 p.m. CST)

The Full Schedule

The San Antonio Spurs played their first game of the year on Oct. 25, kicking off the second season of Victor Wembanyama's young NBA career. Now that it's through, here's a preview of some upcoming dates and times (all in CST) throughout the season to watch for:

San Antonio Spurs Regular Season Schedule

Jan. 23-25: Paris Games vs. Indiana Pacers

Feb. 3: Rodeo Road Trip Begins at Memphis Grizzlies

Feb. 14-16: All-Star Break

Feb. 20: Spurs Get Moody vs. Phoenix Suns
Feb. 21: Spurs Get Moody vs. Detroit Pistons

March 21: Longest Home Stand Ends vs. Philadelphia 76ers

April 6: Final Road Trip Begins at Portland Trail Blazers
April 13: Final Home Game vs. Toronto Raptors

On This Date in Spurs History ...

January 16, 1980: The Spurs sent Billy Paultz to Houston in exchange for John Shumate.

Quote of the Day

"I wouldn't really allow myself to just entertain a relationship with some guys that I'm going to have to play against and fight against. I'm always open to meet guys and to hear the advice, but as I said before, they're still my opponents. I'm going to get as much as I can from whoever is ready to give it to me. But that's it.”
Victor Wembanyama

The Closer

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Who's ready to watch our Paris games next week? 🤩

Join us at our Spurs Watch Parties pres. by @MichelobULTRA in both San Antonio and Austin next Saturday, Jan. 25! 🇫🇷 #ad pic.twitter.com/j0Q3Gep30V
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) January 15, 2025

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