x
Young Spurs guards step up big in Game 5 win
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle reacts after guard Dylan Harper scored during the first half of Game 5 of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers at Frost Bank Center. Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Young Spurs guards step up big in Game 5 win

Stephon Castle is in his second NBA season. Dylan Harper is a rookie. Both played like season playoff veterans in the San Antonio Spurs' 126-97 Game 5 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Spurs used high lottery picks to select the young point guards in consecutive drafts. It's paying off immediately, as the two young guards combined for 29 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and two blocks.

Stephon Castle stepped up in the third quarter

The Spurs raced out to a big early lead, but the Wolves tied the game when they started the third quarter with a 14-2 run, with Castle accounting for the only two Spurs points — but also two Spurs turnovers.

Perhaps to make up for his mistakes, Castle took over on offense. He scored six Spurs points in a row, solving the team's issues with poor shooting and turnovers by simply taking the ball to the rack. And dunking.

Castle was a big part of slowing down Anthony Edwards, who shredded the Spurs defense in Game 4. Edwards scored 20 points, but committed four turnovers while the Spurs held him to only 13 field-goal attempts. Plus, Castle got Jaden McDaniels into foul trouble, and McDaniels played just 30 minutes.

Dylan Harper showed impressive toughness for a rookie

At the end of the third quarter, Harper scored six Spurs points of his own, thanks primarily to hustling for offensive rebounds. He fought off bigger players to extend possessions and help get the Spurs an 18-point lead going into the final quarter.

Later, Harper got in on the dunk parade himself, making his own similar drive to the hoop through multiple Wolves defenders and throwing down a dunk. The Wolves have a very athletic roster, but aside from Edwards, none of them can match the pure explosiveness and speed of Harper and Castle.

The Timberwolves have far more postseason experience after making two straight deep playoff runs. Still, you'd never know Castle and Harper were in their first playoffs judging by how they're performing on the big stage.

Sean Keane

Sean Keane is a sportswriter and a comedian based in Oakland, California, with experience covering the NBA, MLB, NFL and Ice Cube’s three-on-three basketball league, The Big 3. He’s written for Comedy Central’s “Another Period,” ESPN the Magazine, and Audible. com

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!