League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Stephon Castle aims to challenge Jalen Brunson in NBA Finals matchup

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 2, 2026, 11:44 PM

Last updated Jun 2, 2026

Stephon Castle aims to challenge Jalen Brunson in NBA Finals matchup

Summary

Stephon Castle, tasked with defending Jalen Brunson, prepares for a critical matchup as the Knicks face the Spurs in the NBA Finals. Castle has limited Brunson's scoring in their previous encounters, while Brunson has excelled against San Antonio overall, averaging 26.5 points per game this season. The Spurs' Julian Champagnie looks to disrupt his hometown's plans for a championship, having emerged as a key contributor in the playoffs. Knicks center Mitchell Robinson is questionable for Game 1 due to a fractured hand, with his status impacting New York's strategy against the Spurs' formidable frontcourt.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Stephon Castle's defense has previously challenged Jalen Brunson's scoring.
•Julian Champagnie aims to spoil the Knicks' Finals hopes.
•Mitchell Robinson's availability remains uncertain for Game 1.
•Brunson averages 26.5 points per game against the Spurs this season.
•The Knicks have relied on size and defense throughout the postseason.

Latest Updates

11:44 PMYahoo Sports — Knicks’ Jalen Brunson’s final boss isn’t Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama, it’s Stephon Castle

What they're saying

"
SAN ANTONIO — Jalen Brunson, meet the final boss. And in this case, it’s not 7-foot-4 Victor Wembanyama. It’s Stephon Castle, the Spurs’ pit bull at the point of attack and the latest defender tasked with slowing down the engine powering the Knicks’ run to the NBA Finals. “I think what’s worked for me is trying to be physical with him. He’s obviously shorter than me, but he’s a very physical ...
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

New York Knicks San Antonio Spurs NBA Basketball