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On June 3 at Frost Bank Center in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the San Antonio Spurs had a terrible night, losing to the New York Knicks 105-95. They were ahead by 14 points at one point, but the Knicks rallied and won the game. The Spurs simply couldn’t keep up with the Knicks’ strong play.
Coach aside, it was Brunson leading the charge for New York. To compete, the Spurs have to do a lot better. The Knicks put together a fantastic team effort, so give them credit for that. Really shows how basketball is about more than individual stars, it’s about a squad playing in sync. So kudos to the Knicks for pulling out that victory. Still, expecting despair among the Spurs wouldn’t fly, according to Stephon Castle. The young guard made sure everyone knew a single defeat doesn’t shake their confidence or outlook for the series.
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) embraces guard De’aaron Fox (4) during the second half in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Like Victor Wembanyama did earlier in the week, Castle said his team believes they’re the better team, even though they’re down 1-0 in the Finals.
“I think [Wemby] said it best. I don’t think we have anything to be too worried about. We feel like we’re the better team. We didn’t play well and still had a chance to win.”
The Castle said something after the game. The Spurs were in charge for a lot of the time. They were winning by, than 10 points in the second half and they were still ahead when the fourth quarter started.. Then the Knicks did something really good and scored the last 11 points of the game without the Spurs scoring any. The Knicks finished the game with an 11 to 0 run. The Castle was talking about the Spurs and the Knicks and the game they just played.
That had been a close call, but from Castle’s point of view there had been plenty of problems. For example, Wembanyama shot 6-21 but didn’t have his best night. Also, the Spurs normally give out more than 28 assists in the regular season but this time they fell way short with just 16. The Castle teams usual smooth offense was nowhere to be found when it really mattered.
On the side Castle played consistently. He scored 17 points. Got 8 rebounds and 3 assists, in the game. Castle played well on both sides of the court and this helps Castle teams do well in the postseason.
The Spurs aren’t counting on confidence alone to carry them through this series. They recall losing Game 1 to the Minnesota Timberwolves but still winning the series in six games. So, while they might drop a game in a seven-game set, the Spurs know that doesn’t seal their fate.
Even Castle’s mother, Quannette, voiced her thoughts on social media about people not overreacting. She reminded everyone that the Spurs previously recovered from losing their first game this postseason.
Now the real test is for Game 2. The Knicks carry momentum after extending their playoff winning streak to 12 games, however, Castle’s message made one thing clear: the Spurs are treating Game 1 as a missed opportunity and not a warning sign. For a young team that has spent the post-season responding to adversity, confidence remains in no short supply.
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Coach aside, it was Brunson leading the charge for New York. To compete, the Spurs have to do a lot better. The Knicks put together a fantastic team effort, so give them credit for that. Really shows how basketball is about more than individual stars, it’s about a squad playing in sync. So kudos to the Knicks for pulling out that victory. Still, expecting despair among the Spurs wouldn’t fly, according to Stephon Castle. The young guard made sure everyone knew a single defeat doesn’t shake their confidence or outlook for the series.
Stephon Castle Sent A Defiant Message After The Spurs Lost Game 1
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San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) embraces guard De’aaron Fox (4) during the second half in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Like Victor Wembanyama did earlier in the week, Castle said his team believes they’re the better team, even though they’re down 1-0 in the Finals.
“I think [Wemby] said it best. I don’t think we have anything to be too worried about. We feel like we’re the better team. We didn’t play well and still had a chance to win.”
The Castle said something after the game. The Spurs were in charge for a lot of the time. They were winning by, than 10 points in the second half and they were still ahead when the fourth quarter started.. Then the Knicks did something really good and scored the last 11 points of the game without the Spurs scoring any. The Knicks finished the game with an 11 to 0 run. The Castle was talking about the Spurs and the Knicks and the game they just played.
That had been a close call, but from Castle’s point of view there had been plenty of problems. For example, Wembanyama shot 6-21 but didn’t have his best night. Also, the Spurs normally give out more than 28 assists in the regular season but this time they fell way short with just 16. The Castle teams usual smooth offense was nowhere to be found when it really mattered.
On the side Castle played consistently. He scored 17 points. Got 8 rebounds and 3 assists, in the game. Castle played well on both sides of the court and this helps Castle teams do well in the postseason.
The Spurs aren’t counting on confidence alone to carry them through this series. They recall losing Game 1 to the Minnesota Timberwolves but still winning the series in six games. So, while they might drop a game in a seven-game set, the Spurs know that doesn’t seal their fate.
Even Castle’s mother, Quannette, voiced her thoughts on social media about people not overreacting. She reminded everyone that the Spurs previously recovered from losing their first game this postseason.
Now the real test is for Game 2. The Knicks carry momentum after extending their playoff winning streak to 12 games, however, Castle’s message made one thing clear: the Spurs are treating Game 1 as a missed opportunity and not a warning sign. For a young team that has spent the post-season responding to adversity, confidence remains in no short supply.
Continue reading...
