Spurs' Victor Wembanyama Praises Stephon Castle's 'Unseen' Defensive Impact

Castle's emergence as an elite on-ball defender has been a key factor in the Spurs' league-leading defense.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 7:38pm

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San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama has heaped praise on teammate Stephon Castle, crediting the second-year guard's elite on-ball defense as a driving force behind the team's dominant defensive performance this season. Castle's lockdown defense, combined with Wembanyama's rim protection, has made the Spurs one of the toughest teams to score against in the NBA.

Why it matters

The Spurs' defensive success, anchored by Wembanyama and Castle, has been a major factor in the team's rise to the top of the Western Conference standings. Castle's emergence as a defensive stopper has expedited the Spurs' timeline, complementing Wembanyama's MVP-caliber play and helping the team establish itself as a legitimate championship contender.

The details

Wembanyama highlighted Castle's ability to make life difficult for opposing ball-handlers, noting that the Spurs' defense forces teams to "dribble around one of the best on-ball defenders and then having to shoot a shot over some of the best rim protectors." Castle's defensive rating swing of -4.7 points per 100 possessions is the sixth-best in the NBA among guards who have played over 1,000 minutes. The Spurs have a 109.3 defensive rating with Castle and Wembanyama on the floor, showcasing their dominance at both ends of the court.

  • The Spurs currently have the third-best record in the NBA (43-16) and are riding an 11-game winning streak.

The players

Victor Wembanyama

The Spurs' superstar center and MVP candidate, who has anchored the team's dominant defense.

Stephon Castle

The Spurs' second-year guard, who has emerged as one of the league's top on-ball defenders and a key complement to Wembanyama.

Mitch Johnson

The Spurs' head coach, who has praised Castle's defensive development and increased responsibilities.

Cade Cunningham

The Detroit Pistons' star player, who was held to 16 points on 5-of-26 shooting when defended by Castle.

Dylan Harper

The Spurs' rookie guard, who has shown the potential to be another elite on-ball defender alongside Castle and Wembanyama.

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What they’re saying

“We make it uncomfortable for people playing against us. That's the goal. Having to dribble around one of the best on-ball defenders and then having to shoot a shot over some of the best rim protectors, that's very tough.”

— Victor Wembanyama (ClutchPoints)

“[Stephon] showed potential for it last year. He had some really good moments defensively. This year, we've obviously upped the ask, which has upped his opportunity to guard the big-time scorers and guys who dominate the ball in this league. And I think he's proven his capabilities.”

— Mitch Johnson, Spurs Head Coach (ClutchPoints)

“The biggest thing about Stephon is he's a competitor. I saw that early when I got to San Antonio. He's gonna compete no matter what the situation or who he's going up against. On the biggest stages, all the work he's put in is showing.”

— Dylan Harper, Spurs Rookie Guard (ClutchPoints)

What’s next

The Spurs will look to continue their dominant defensive play as they push for a top seed in the Western Conference playoffs, with Castle and Wembanyama leading the way.

The takeaway

The Spurs' defensive identity, anchored by the elite on-ball defense of Stephon Castle and the rim protection of Victor Wembanyama, has been the driving force behind the team's rise to the top of the NBA standings. This dynamic duo, along with the emergence of rookie Dylan Harper, has the Spurs poised to make a deep playoff run and potentially challenge for the championship.