San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle described the team’s Game 5 performance as a complete tone-setting effort in a 114-95 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night at Frost Bank Center.
Victor Wembanyama delivered 17 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks, while De’Aaron Fox led San Antonio with 21 points as the Spurs advanced to the Western Conference semifinals.
“I thought it was probably our most professional game of the series,” Castle said. “I feel like we punched them in the chest first in a game that mattered.”
He continued, emphasizing the importance of the opening stretch and how it shaped the closeout scenario.
“We’re up 3-1, they’re on the road. Just trying to send that message to start the game.”
Castle also referenced Portland’s late push, but credited San Antonio’s response under pressure.
“They went on a run, but I feel like we weathered the storm and figured it out.”
One of the defining moments came on a defensive sequence involving Devin Vassell at the rim against Donovan Clingan, which Castle highlighted as a turning point.
“It was a big time play. I don’t know what I was thinking at the time, but I definitely went up to him and told him how big of a play it was.”
He added that the team converted immediately after the stop, reinforcing momentum on both ends.
“I feel like we scored right after that too.”
The series was physical throughout, with multiple late-game confrontations and defensive adjustments shaping possession battles.
“I feel like it brought the best out of us,” Castle said of the physical tone. “Especially after game two where they won that game just being more physical than us.”
He pointed to rebounding and effort as key correction points after that loss.
“Getting more offensive rebounds than us. I feel like it was a wakeup call that we needed especially early on in the playoffs.”
Castle also praised Fox for his late-game control during stretches when Portland tried to shift momentum.
“It’s great,” he said. “To have that stability from a vet guard like that is just good to be a part of.”
Julian Champagnie’s fast start also set the tone, something Castle directly acknowledged after the game.
“He was super locked in,” Castle said. “He knocked them down.”
Defensively, the Spurs held Portland to 95 points and limited long-range efficiency, a point of emphasis throughout the series.
“It was great,” Castle said. “We weren’t surprised by any actions or anything that they were doing on offense.”
Looking ahead, Castle briefly addressed potential next-round opponents between Denver and Minnesota without preference.
“It doesn’t matter to me,” he said. “I think I’ve watched every game so far.”
With the Spurs closing out the series at home, Castle said the group understood the stakes entering Game 5.
“It was definitely a topic of discussion for the beginning of this game and I feel like we executed on that.”
He also stressed the collective mindset of the roster moving forward in the postseason.
“We’re playing for the city. We’re playing for the name on our chest, not for ourselves.”
