Stephon Castle stressed the importance of defense after San Antonio’s 111-99 comeback win against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. Emphasizing defense as a major focus of his play, Castle underscored his communication and team effort during the game.
“I try and hang my hat on that end… I probably did a great job team defending,”
Castle said.
Defense remains non-negotiable despite game flow
Castle described his defensive intensity as unwavering, regardless of whether the team’s shots were falling. He credited strong support from his teammates to help contain Houston’s offensive threats.
“Whether shots are going in or not, that can’t change my aggressiveness or my energy on that end,”
he stated. Regarding his teammates defensive support, Castle added,
“Those guys, you can’t guard them really one-on-one… we had great communication behind me when I was guarding those guys.”
Halftime communication sparks turnaround
Reflecting on the period when the Spurs fell behind, Castle explained that tough talk and accountability helped shift momentum. The team’s collective focus and willingness to be direct played a critical role in their comeback.
“Pretty much just ‘stop being soft.’ At the beginning, they were kind of punking us… just yelling at each other to fix it,”
Castle recalled. He also noted,
“Nobody in our locker room takes anything personal. We’re all trying to get better together.”
Victor Wembanyama’s defensive presence energizes Spurs
Castle praised Victor Wembanyama’s impact on both ends of the court, calling him central to the team’s effort. Wembanyama’s defensive plays and hustle on loose balls were highlighted as crucial elements.
“He’s the head of the snake… his presence on defense and creating shots for us… it definitely boosts the energy for our team,”
Castle said. He added,
“No matter who it is, one through 15, no matter what’s on the clock… he’s going to have to be a part of that too.”
Team effort overcomes large deficit
The Spurs erased a 16-point shortfall to earn their second victory against Houston this season. Castle contributed 16 points, six assists, and five rebounds, complementing Wembanyama’s 28 points, 16 rebounds, and five blocks. De’Aaron Fox added 18 points and eight assists, while bench players Dylan Harper and Keldon Johnson provided key scoring off the bench.
Reaffirming team identity through focus and energy
Castle remarked that reclaiming the Spurs’ identity was a crucial factor in their win, emphasizing how commitment to small details creates success. He stressed how focus and energy allowed the team to execute effectively during the second half and finish strong.
“If we do those little things, we’re going to win the majority of the games… in the games we lose, we understand why,”
Castle noted.
Standings and upcoming schedule
With this victory, San Antonio improves to 32-15, holding onto second place in the Western Conference. Houston slips to 28-17 in fourth place. The Spurs will face Charlotte on Saturday, while the Rockets begin a road trip starting in Atlanta on Thursday.
