The Spurs remain undefeated in preseason play. They beat the Pacers 124-108 in Stephon Castle’s preseason debut in what was a surprisingly intense matchup for three quarters, before the deep benches checked in. Victor Wembanyama impressed once again, finishing with 27 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block.
After three games on the sidelines, Stephon Castle started at point guard. The second-year player wasted no time making his mark in the game, helping the Silver and Black play disruptive defense and getting shots close to the rim. The Spurs looked better, but Benedict Mathuring kept Indiana afloat until Castle and Wemby went to the bench. San Antonio’s offense wasn’t as sharp without those two, but the Pacers weren’t much better. The Silver and Black took control of the game by going big with Wembanyama and Kornet, but couldn’t create separation in the first quarter.
After ending the opening frame playing two centers, the Spurs started the second with both Dylan Harper and Castle on the floor together. The experiment didn’t last long and had its ups and downs, but it looked viable. In general, most things were working for San Antonio, but, despite a scorching-hot Wembanyama, they struggled to extend a lead they held for most of the half. Indiana executed well against a zone, made the right reads and passes with a small lineup featuring Obi Toppin at center, and their defense rallied after every San Antonio run. It was close at the half, with Mathurin carrying Indiana on offense, finishing with 27 points.
The Pacers started stronger and regained the lead early in the third, as the Spurs didn’t seem as focused as they looked earlier. The offense generated some good looks, but the shots didn’t go in, while on the other end, Indiana continued to find success. Still, San Antonio didn’t panic. The starters stuck around, and a strong stretch from the second unit against their counterparts got the Silver and Black back ahead. Defensively, it was easy to handle an opponent that lacked driving threats off the bench and struggled to find production from the center position. The Silver and Black led by double digits at one point and headed into the final frame up nine.
The Pacers’ starters never returned, as Rick Carlisle went deep into his bench in the fourth. The Spurs kept some of their main guys out there for a few minutes before doing the same. San Antonio expanded its lead and got an easy win.
The Spurs will host the Pacers for their last preseason game on Friday. Indiana is a really fun and competitive team even without Tyrese Haliburton, so it should be a good final test before the regular season.