Spurs' Stephon Castle Calls Out Teams Trying to 'Punk' Them Physically

Young Spurs squad not backing down from increased physicality from opponents

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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San Antonio Spurs star Stephon Castle has acknowledged that other NBA teams are trying to play more physical basketball against the Spurs' young core in an effort to throw them off their game. However, Castle says the Spurs are ready to answer that challenge and prove they can match the increased physicality.

Why it matters

The Spurs have emerged as one of the top teams in the Western Conference this season, led by young stars like Victor Wembanyama and Dylan Harper. As a result, they have become a target for more physical play from opponents trying to disrupt their style of play. Castle's comments suggest the Spurs are embracing this challenge and are confident they can handle the increased physicality.

The details

Castle noted that teams "can't really beat us going up and down just with skill, so they try to punk us, they try to be overly physical with us." However, he believes the Spurs have "a lot of guys that can step up to that challenge" and that once they "answer that call, teams don't really have an answer." Head coach Mitch Johnson has prepared the young Spurs squad to handle the physical style of play they are facing from opponents.

  • The Spurs are the second-best team in the Western Conference this season, a big improvement from being outside the playoff picture a year ago.

The players

Stephon Castle

A young star player for the San Antonio Spurs who has called out other teams for trying to play overly physical basketball against the Spurs' young core.

Victor Wembanyama

A rising superstar for the Spurs who has been a target of increased physicality from opponents.

Dylan Harper

Another young standout player for the Spurs who has helped lead the team's turnaround this season.

Mitch Johnson

The head coach of the San Antonio Spurs who has prepared his young team to handle the physical style of play they are facing from opponents.

De'Aaron Fox

A veteran player on the Spurs' roster who provides experience and leadership alongside the team's young core.

Harrison Barnes

Another veteran presence on the Spurs' roster who has helped guide the team's young players.

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What they’re saying

“Teams can't really beat us going up and down just with skill, so they try to punk us, they try to be overly physical with us. I feel like we have a lot of guys that can step up to that challenge, so once we've answered that call, teams don't really have an answer.”

— Stephon Castle, Spurs Player (Sporting News)

What’s next

The Spurs will look to continue proving they can handle the increased physicality from opponents as they push for a top playoff seed in the Western Conference.

The takeaway

The Spurs' young core, led by stars like Stephon Castle, Victor Wembanyama, and Dylan Harper, have shown they are ready to match the physical style of play from opponents trying to disrupt their success. This resilience and toughness could be a key factor in the Spurs' continued rise as one of the top teams in the NBA.