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James Harden’s defense on Jalen Brunson was the main issue about the Cleveland Cavaliers during their Eastern Conference Finals series with the New York Knicks. That was obviously not an issue to Brunson as his Knicks went on to win in just four games.
The Knicks have entered the NBA Finals, the first since 1999, to face the San Antonio Spurs and the three-time All-Star expects a different. It’s not just because the Spurs got the first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year in Victor Wembanyama. It is because they have tenacious young guard.
Brunson anticipates how the Spurs will guard him and he expects challenge from Stephon Castle who he said he’s been watching since the 2025 Rookie of the Year’s Connecticut days.
“He’s great. I think his intensity and tenacity is special,” Brunson said during media day ahead of their finals match up on Wednesday.”He plays with a chip on his shoulder. He’s had that since I’ve seen him at UConn. The way he’s played over these first couple years of his career, he’s going to be a great player, great defender.”
Castle is the Spurs’ starting guard and is the team’s third best scorer. Coach Mitch Johnson said Castle is his most consistent player in the team and acknowledged his impact as a two-way star.
he sophomore guard narrowly missed the All Defensive Team this year, garnering 46 votes.
Castle is up to the challenge. His confidence during their series with Oklahoma City Thunder never wavered and was even ready to throw shade at opponents.
That’s the same mentality he has as they are set to face the Knicks. He knows he will be tasked to guard Brunson and he’s got an idea what to do.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles the ball against San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) during the Emirates NBA Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
“I think what’s worked for me is trying to be physical with him,” Castle said. “He’s obviously shorter than me, but he’s a very physical guard, he gets to his spots well. Uses deception well, has great footwork.
“Trying to be as disciplined as I can, crowd his space, but not give him the angles that he’s looking for. At this point he’s seen pretty much every coverage, been guarded all kinds of ways.”
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The Knicks have entered the NBA Finals, the first since 1999, to face the San Antonio Spurs and the three-time All-Star expects a different. It’s not just because the Spurs got the first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year in Victor Wembanyama. It is because they have tenacious young guard.
Brunson anticipates how the Spurs will guard him and he expects challenge from Stephon Castle who he said he’s been watching since the 2025 Rookie of the Year’s Connecticut days.
“He’s great. I think his intensity and tenacity is special,” Brunson said during media day ahead of their finals match up on Wednesday.”He plays with a chip on his shoulder. He’s had that since I’ve seen him at UConn. The way he’s played over these first couple years of his career, he’s going to be a great player, great defender.”
Castle is the Spurs’ starting guard and is the team’s third best scorer. Coach Mitch Johnson said Castle is his most consistent player in the team and acknowledged his impact as a two-way star.
he sophomore guard narrowly missed the All Defensive Team this year, garnering 46 votes.
Castle on how he will defend Jalen Brunson
Castle is up to the challenge. His confidence during their series with Oklahoma City Thunder never wavered and was even ready to throw shade at opponents.
That’s the same mentality he has as they are set to face the Knicks. He knows he will be tasked to guard Brunson and he’s got an idea what to do.
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New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles the ball against San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) during the Emirates NBA Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
“I think what’s worked for me is trying to be physical with him,” Castle said. “He’s obviously shorter than me, but he’s a very physical guard, he gets to his spots well. Uses deception well, has great footwork.
“Trying to be as disciplined as I can, crowd his space, but not give him the angles that he’s looking for. At this point he’s seen pretty much every coverage, been guarded all kinds of ways.”
Continue reading...
