Once again the San Antonio Spurs are pulling all stops on defense. But it might come at a steep price. Early into the game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Stephon Castle literally put his entire body into blocking a shot. The Spurs were up 70-45 when Castle had to leave the floor. His trek to the locker room came with a painful buildup though.

With about four minutes left in the first half and a comfortable lead for the Spurs, Castle went up to block Rui Hachimura from a dunk. But while Hachimura caught himself, Castle landed flat on his back.

The fall was hard enough for him to be on the floor for a long time. The game was paused as Spurs staff tended to him on the court, right under the basket. It would be a while before he was able to walk to the locker room amid applause from the Crypto.Com Arena.

He was ruled out after 12 minutes of action and didn’t return in the second half. He had only 2 points with 1 rebound, 7 assists, and that block of the night. He’s getting praised for a massive defensive effort while he remains in the locker room.

The Spurs announced by halftime that Castle had suffered a pelvic contusion from the fall It’s fortunately not very severe.

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Stephon Castle’s status in back-to-back schedule couldchange

Stephon Castle recorded a historic 40-point, 12-rebound, 12-assist triple-double in a 138-125 win over the Dallas Mavericks on February 7, 2026. Obviously they want him on the floor to back Victor Wembanyama who is on a 40-point tear tonight before the game is up. But they want their young core healthier more.

Though he has to be sidelined tonight, there’s some optimism. As per Spurs insider, Jeff McDonald, X-rays are reportedly negative for any serious injuries.

Before we can conclude tonight’s game, Castle’s status for tomorrow has already been declared. The Spurs play the second set of a back-to-back against the Warriors tomorrow. They will likely sit out Castle from this game and give him an extended period of rest through the All-Star break.

Tanking allegations don’t apply here. The Spurs are one of the top seeded teams in the West, holding a comfortable 30-point lead over the Lakers at the moment Castle got injured. They can afford to rest their players without losing their games for statistical advantage.