Spurs Have No-Flight Zone in 'Area 51'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonah Kubicek | Last updated Nov 25, 2024 5:22 PM ET

Ever since he entered the NBA, "The Alien" Victor Wembanyama has been the most terrifying player to try and score on. His 7-4 frame, eight-foot wingspan, insane reflexes, and shot-blocking ability has made him a one-of-a-kind defensive talent.

One year after his arrival, the Spurs have added Stephon Castle, who is already one of the better perimeter defenders in the NBA. Castle has been tasked with guarding some of the best guards in the NBA, and has held his own against Kyrie Irving, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Stephen Curry.

Between "The Extraterrsital" Wembanyama, who wears No. 1, and Castle, who wears No. 5, Spurs fans have dubbed the young duo "Area 51."

Last year, the Spurs had the 21st-ranked defense in the NBA. This season, they are up to the eighth-best. Jeremy Sochan, who is a high-level defender in his own right, has missed the last ten games with a thumb injury. When he returns next month, the Spurs could emerge as one of the very best defense teams in the league.

"They're playing pretty good on defense, they're a top-ten defensive team so far," said ESPN's Brian Windhorst.

While Wembanyama is easily the centerpiece of the Spurs' defense, the national media is starting to pay attention to Castle.

"Castle is the point-of-attack guy, get used to that folks," added Tim MacMahon. "They have a chance to be maybe the best defensive tandem in the league, they have a chance to be really tough."

After winning only 22 games last year, the Spurs are 9-8 and very much in the hunt in a crowded Western Conference. As they get healthy, they will only get better, which should be a scary prospect for the rest of the NBA.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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