Spurs’ Stephon Castle delivers historic 42-point triple-double in win over Mavericks
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Stephon Castle exploded for a career-best 42 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists on Saturday night, powering the San Antonio Spurs to a 138-125 victory over the Dallas Mavericks at Frost Bank Center.
The 21-year-old guard (21 years, 98 days) became the youngest player in league history to log a 40-12-12 stat line, eclipsing Oscar Robertson’s 1961 mark set at 22 years, 33 days, according to ESPN Research.
Castle needed only 31 minutes 51 seconds to notch the triple-double, the second-fewest minutes recorded for a 40-point triple-double since tracking began in 1970-71. Only James Harden’s 29:34 (43-10-12 in 2019) was faster.
The second-year Spur missed just three of his 19 shots, finishing at 78.9% from the field. ESPN Research notes he is only the second player to pair a 40-point triple-double with 75% shooting or better; Wilt Chamberlain accomplished the feat three times.
“Best game of his career so far,” teammate Victor Wembanyama said. “It’s one of the best stat lines I’ve seen with my own eyes.”
Head coach Mitch Johnson credited Castle’s pace and decision-making. “He was absolutely phenomenal all night, staying in attack mode and creating advantages for everyone,” Johnson said.
Castle, whose previous high of 33 points came exactly one year earlier against Charlotte, opened the night by hitting his first 10 shots and did not miss until 8:51 remained in the third quarter. He also added three steals and a block as San Antonio extended its winning streak to four and moved to 36 wins before the All-Star break for the first time since 2016-17.
A sellout crowd of 18,617 celebrated afterward while Castle struck the on-court bass drum for the first time. “I thought I did decent,” he said with a grin.
The guard marked the occasion in a pair of red Air Jordan 40s styled after the retro Jordan 14 Ferrari. The shoes disappeared from the locker room postgame. “You’ll never see them again,” Castle said. “I’m never wearing those again.”
Source: ESPN
