Last offseason, many questioned San Antonio’s decision to make Stephon Castle untouchable in trade negotiations.
Consider those questions answered.
Today’s Lineup
🏰 Build the Castle
Stephon drops a 40-point triple-double.
🤩 Charlotte Keeps Buzzing
The Hornets have won nine in a row!
🚨 Post-Deadline Roundup
A new All-Star, Dame’s 3PT Contest return, and Cam Thomas finds a home.
🎉 Happy birthday Jalen Green, Jameer Nelson, and Nique Clifford! 🎉
Game Recaps
Castle’s 40-point triple-double propels Spurs past Mavs 138-125
Victor Wembanyama gets plenty of deserved attention as the Spurs’ young phenom, but he’s far from the only headline-worthy talent in San Antonio.
Another hooper in that group is Stephon Castle, who still feels underrated despite bringing home last season’s Rookie of the Year award. But there was no overlooking Castle on Saturday night, when the sophomore guard racked up an absurd stat line of 40 PTS, 12 AST, and 12 REB to lead the Spurs past Dallas. And if that wasn’t enough, he also 79% from the field (a feat not seen since Wilt) and 70% from three. Simply put: one of the most absurd performances we’ve seen so far this season.
The Spurs also got 15+ from Wemby, De’Aaron Fox, and Devin Vassell, while Dylan Harper added 11 PTS off the bench. For as far as San Antonio has come this season (they’re currently #2 in the West), it may be easy to forget that their core contributors are still ascending. The Spurs are the sixth-youngest team in the league when factoring in age by usage rate, and four of the five teams above them (Pelicans, Wizards, Nets, Jazz) are projected lottery squads. Castle won’t drop 40-12-12 every night, but the fact that he can shows how dangerous this team will be for years to come.
🏀 🏀 🏀
Charlotte keeps rolling, wins 9th in a row in 126-119 win over Hawks
The Charlotte Hornets may never lose again.
On Saturday, Buzz City continued its tear through the league with yet another convincing win, this time downing an Atlanta team that it currently trails by half a game in the East standings. The Hawks got a big night from first-time All-Star Jalen Johnson (31 PTS, 9 REB, 8 AST), but it wasn’t enough against a Hornets group that had eight players in double-figures and shot 46% from three.
After the game went to halftime tied, Charlotte owned the third quarter including an 11-0 run to close the period. Then, the Hornets hit their free throws to hold off a late Atlanta run, securing the franchise’s longest win streak since the 1998-99 season. Now, they begin a streak of four home games in a row. Who knows how long the stretch could last?
🏀 🏀 🏀
Elsewhere around the NBA:
Kawhi Leonard didn’t hide his disappointment regarding the way the Clippers sold at the deadline, he’s still doing what he does best: hoop. The Klaw continued his torrid stretch of play with 41 PTS in LA’s 115-96 win over Minnesota, leading the way for a hot-shooting Clips team that converted 52% of its looks from beyond the arc.
Sunday afternoon basketball in Boston right before the Super Bowl? Sign. Us. Up. But just like in the big game, Beantown fans were left with a sour taste. The Knicks went into TD Garden and emerged with a 111-89 win, while Jalen Brunson notched 31 PTS and 8 AST. Plus, KAT’s Amar’e Stoudemire glasses have to be worth some style points.
James Harden didn’t miss a beat in his Cavaliers debut, dropping 23 PTS and 8 AST in Cleveland’s 132-126 win over Sacramento. But what’s even more significant is the way Harden helped open things up for his teammates— Donovan Mitchell racked up 35 PTS, while Jarrett Allen scored 29. It was a gutsy move to deal 26-year-old franchise cornerstone Darius Garland, but these Cavs are as dangerous as ever.
How many duos can you name better than Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid? Each Sixers game, the number shrinks. JoJo has continued to ramp up back to his old elite self, most recently dropping 33 PTS and 9 REB to key Philly’s 109-103 win over Phoenix. Maxey added 29, while Dillon Brooks had 28 for a Suns squad that couldn’t find its stroke from three, shooting just 11/46.
🧠 Daily Trivia 🧠
Which franchise holds the record for longest win streak in NBA history?
Post-Deadline Roundup
With the trade deadline in the rearview and All-Star weekend fast approaching, there’s never a dull moment in the NBA. Let’s break down some of the recent stories you may have missed:
⭐ All-Star Alpy: Sengun named to ASG as Shai’s replacement
It stinks seeing our favorite players miss the All-Star game due to injury, but the good news is that it gets more stars the recognition they deserve. On Sunday, Adam Silver officially selected Houston’s Alperen Sengun as the injury replacement for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who will miss the weekend with an abdominal strain. Sengun is currently averaging 20.8 PTS, 9.4 REB, and 6.3 AST for the 32-19 Rockets.
🔥 Cam Thomas signs with Milwaukee
One of the league’s best buckets in a bottle has found his new home. Former Nets guard Cam Thomas, who was waived by Brooklyn after not being traded at the deadline, has reached a deal with the Bucks. Thomas has averaged 21.4 PPG over the last three seasons and helps enhance Milwaukee’s roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo.
⏰ Dame Time: Lillard returns to Three-Point Contest
Damian Lillard hasn’t played in an NBA game since rupturing his Achilles in April. That will remain true through All-Star weekend— but the Portland fan favorite will still technically make his return to the court. On Sunday, the NBA announced that Lillard, a two-time three-point contest champion, will participate in this year’s event alongside Devin Booker, Kon Knueppel, Tyrese Maxey, Donovan Mitchell, Jamal Murray, Bobby Portis, and Norman Powell. Welcome back, Dame!
Three in the Key
♥️ D-Mitch x Coco Jones
The couple showed out at the Super Bowl.
🤣 Friendly Fire
Bam puts his teammate Kel’el Ware on a poster.
👀 Post-Deadline Mock Draft
Who’s the #1 prospect?
What We’re Enjoying
As the dust from the deadline settles, it’s time to evaluate how each squad made out. Our guys over at Numbers on the Board have you covered, giving out grades for each team. Give it a watch!
Signing Off
And we out! Thanks for spending a portion of your day with us. This week, make sure to weave time for fun into your typical routine. Whether it’s a new show, a new adventure, or just time with friends, a small bit of time for yourself can make a big difference. See you soon!
Walker Carnathan
