Stephon Castle is embracing the toughest defensive matchups in the NBA, and he believes they are shaping his identity.
The 21-year-old guard appeared on NBA Today and spoke with host Malika Andrews about routinely guarding the league’s top scorers.
When asked which players he has defended most this season, Castle pointed to two of the game’s elite offensive engines.
“Two players I have guarded the most this year. There’s some good ones. I would assume it has to be somebody on OKC. We play them a lot. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is one and then Luka Doncic is two,” Castle said.
Andrews noted that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic rank first and second in scoring, underscoring the level of responsibility Castle has taken on.
Castle did not shy away from that role.
“I’ll take a lot of pride in that. You know, ask for those matchups. And you know, I mean, I wouldn’t want it any other way. You know, it’s like I could be one of the best, you know, perimeter defenders in the league. So just day in and day out is trying to prove that,” he said.
The defensive focus comes as Castle expands his offensive responsibilities for the San Antonio Spurs.
In 44 games this season, he is averaging 16.5 points, 7.0 assists and 5.0 rebounds in 30.2 minutes per game while shooting 46.4 percent from the field.
His assist numbers reflect a transition into more primary ball-handling duties, especially alongside De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama.
San Antonio ranks second in the Western Conference at 38-16, fueled by a balanced attack that averages 118.1 points per game.
For a roster built around Wembanyama’s rim protection, Castle’s point-of-attack defense carries added value.
Containing dribble penetration reduces rotational stress and allows the Spurs’ length to stay organized behind the play.
Castle’s 1.3 steals per game and willingness to navigate screens have made him a frequent choice against elite guards.
As a rookie last season, he averaged 14.7 points and earned All-Rookie First Team honors while starting 47 games.
