Spurs Starter, Thursday, November 7, 2024: Stephon Castle Notches Career High Steals at Rockets

Your daily briefing on what's going on with the San Antonio Spurs, including news, draft and more.

Oct 28, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) dribbles up court during the second half against the Houston Rockets at Frost Bank Center. / Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Happy Thursday, Por Vida fans! Welcome to your morning Spurs Starter.

The San Antonio Spurs dropped their second straight game for the second time of the season Wednesday night against the Houston Rockets, marking the third game between the two teams in two weeks.

Lots of numbers. There were plenty on Houston's side of things as well, as seven Rockets finished in double figures in what ended up being a blowout. One of the bright spots of the evening, however, came from the Spurs' defensive anchors.

READ MORE: Houston Dominates San Antonio, Spurs Drop 2nd Consecutive Game

Victor Wembanyama tallied three blocks, Sandro Mamukelashvili added a pair of his own and Stephon Castle — who earned his first start in Jeremy Sochan's absence — nabbed a career-high three steals.

"He's a mature young man," Spurs interim coach Mitch Johnson said of Castle. "He's serious in his appraoch and his termperment. It's hard for young guys in this league, (but) he doesn't get too high or too low."

Though he struggled offensively, that was evident Wednesday evening. And he's got likely another few games to continue to prove himself in an expanded role.

Now, onto the headlines.

THE NEWS

1. READ: GREGG POPOVICH REPORTEDLY DEALING WITH 'SERIOUS' HEALTH CONCERN

Out since Saturday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich's health concern may be more serious than previously thought.

Read the full story at the link above.

2. READ: HOUSTON DOMINATES SAN ANTONIO, SPURS DROP 2 STRAIGHT

The San Antonio Spurs never found their offensive touch as they were blown out by the Houston Rockets Wednesday evening, marking their second straight loss.

Read the full story at the link above.

Nov 6, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) shoots the ball as San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) defends during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

3. READ: THUMB FRACTURE BENCHES JEREMY SOCHAN: WHO WILL FILL SPURS' VOID?

On Tuesday, the San Antonio Spurs received tough news. So, where do they turn now?

Read the full story at the link above.

TODAY'S SCHEDULE

• Thursday, Nov. 7 vs. Portland Trail Blazers | FanDuel Sports Network, 7 p.m. Central.

MEDIA DAY, TRAINING CAMP

Now that the Media Day is over and the 2024-25 season is set to kick off, you can check out the stories surrounding the team as it gears up for the beginning of the regular season.

- The Ultimate Guide to Spurs Training Camp

- Everything Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich Said at Media Day

- Victor Wembanyama is 'Funnier' as Spurs Prepare for New Season

- Chris Paul and Gregg Popovich, Once Rivals, Now Set to Join Forces

- Wembanyama Adds 25 Pounds Ahead of His Second NBA Season

- Chris Paul Enters San Antonio as Polished Veteran, Mutual Choice

- Keldon Johnson Is Back For Year 6, and Feels Like the Old Man

- Wembanyama 'Working on Fundamentals' Ahead of Sophomore Year

- Victor Wembanyama, Chris Paul Share Comical Moment During Media Day

- Gregg Popovich Looking Forward To Season of Improvemen

- Castle Impresses Spurs Early with Versatility and 'Own Pace'

- Wembanyama Sets Next Big Goal: Elevating His Spurs Teammates

- Alpine F1 Team Announce New Era Clothing Collaboration

- Gregg Popovich Likes New, Improved Victor Wembanyama

- Is Stephon Castle's Jump Shot A Genuine Problem?


- Jeremy Sochan Ready to Thrive at 'Natural' Position

- Will Julian Champagnie Start In Place of Devin Vassell?

- Zach Collins 'Feeling Great' After Shoulder Surgery

- Harrison Barnes Speaks on Young Spurs' Winning Mentality

- Castle Speaks on Spurs' 'Aggressive' Defensive Mindset

- Keldon Johnson Focused on Getting Better, Sticking Around

- Champagnie's Approach to Begin New Season? 'Just Keep Shooting'

- How Can Sandro Mamukelashvili Earn Rotational Minutes?

THE FULL SCHEDULE

The San Antonio Spurs played their first game of the year on Oct. 25, kicking off the second season of Victor Wembanyama's young NBA career. Now that it's through, here's a preview of some upcoming dates and times (all in CST) throughout the season to watch for:

San Antonio Spurs Regular Season Schedule

Oct. 24: Season Opener at Dallas Mavericks (L 120-109)
Oct. 26: Home opener vs. Houston Rockets (W 109-106)

Nov. 15: Group Play Begins vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Dec. 10: NBA Cup Knockout Rounds Begin
Dec. 25: MSG Christmas at New York Knicks

Dec. 31: New Year's vs. LA Clippers

Jan. 23-25: Paris Games vs. Indiana Pacers

Feb. 3: Rodeo Road Trip Begins at Memphis Grizzlies

Feb. 14-16: All-Star Break

Feb. 20: Spurs Get Moody vs. Phoenix Suns
Feb. 21: Spurs Get Moody vs. Detroit Pistons

March 21: Longest Home Stand Ends vs. Philadelphia 76ers

April 6: Final Road Trip Begins at Portland Trail Blazers
April 13: Final Home Game vs. Toronto Raptors

AROUND THE NBA

Catch up on some of the league-wide headlines below:

• Kevin Durant Gives Stephen A. Smith a Win With Latest Comments
• Jalen Suggs Comforted an Emotional Wendell Carter Jr. After Injury
• Pistons Forced to Take Subway to Nets Game Due to NYC Marathon
• Steph Curry Consulting With NBA to Bring Big Changes to All-Star Game
• Joel Embiid Shoves Philadelphia Inquirer Writer Who Alluded to Family in Column

Also, be sure to follow along with Spurs On SI's NBA tracker, with more detailed breakdowns of major league news and updates.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"The older you get the more you try to appreciate what you've accomplished."

- Gregg Popovich

THIS DAY IN SPURS HISTORY

November 7, 1990: A two-minute scoring drought in the fourth quarter kept the Spurs and Nuggets from setting an NBA scoring record for total points. David Robinson scored 43 points to lead the 161-153 victory over the run-and- gun Nuggets. Denver led at the half, 90-83.

THE CLOSER

Check out our home page for more news and be sure follow us on the platforms below. Thank you for tuning in, and enjoy the rest of your Thursday.

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— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) November 6, 2024

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