One down, two more to go.
Stephon Castle made the most of his first-ever NBA All-Star Weekend with a strong start. And he's aiming for more.
Rising Stars MVP? Book it.
Slam Dunk title and All-Star Game MVP honors? Why not?
“I’ve definitely thought about it. I want to take it one step at a time,” Castle said on the possibility of winning three major awards after Team Chris Mullin ruled the 2025 All-Star Rising Stars Challenge, Saturday, February 15.
"Taking it one step at a time."
— NBA (@NBA) February 15, 2025
Stephon Castle has his eyes on a possible 3-peat at #NBAAllStar Weekend 👀
Castle’s impact was felt across two knockout games, setting the stage for his squad to earn the right to advance into the All-Star Game on Monday, February 17.
[ALSO READ: Stephon Castle spearheads Team C to Rising Stars Challenge glory vs Team G League]
They will play under WNBA legend Candace Parkers’ “Rising Stars” banner and face Inside the NBA analyst Shaquille O’Neal’s “OGs”--led by LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry in the semifinal.
“To be able to play those guys I’ve been watching forever, my first All-Star weekend is definitely a blessing,” the rookie added.
"To be able play against those guys I've been watching forever is definitely a blessing."#CastrolRisingStars MVP Stephon Castle talks facing off against Shaq's OGs at the #NBAAllStar mini-tournament 🤩
— NBA (@NBA) February 15, 2025
While the first of a three-day mid-season spectacle is on the books, it's just getting started for the 24-year-old rookie.
Castle, Bulls rookie Matas Buzelis, San Bucks sophomore Andre Jackson Jr. will compete at the Slam Dunk Contest tomorrow where they will aim to stop two-time defending champion Mac McClung from accomplishing a three-peat.
[ALSO READ: Mac McClung guns for historic three-peat in NBA All-Star Slam Dunk contest]
But on the night the brightest young talents gathered in the Bay Area, the San Antonio Spur put on a dazzling performance that made him one of the favorites to win the Rookie of the Year award this season.
Castle nailed the game-sealing jumper for Team C in their semifinal win over Team Tim Hardaway Sr. He racked up six points, four rebounds and four assists in that game.
In the championship round against Team G League, the San Antonio Spur guard then led a furious rally that his squad leaned on, igniting a key 17-2 finishing kick including setting up Keyonte George’s game-winning triple.
“I felt like our team is super versatile. We had shooters, guys that can defend. I think coach [Chris] Mullin drafted a good team and you saw the result.”
[ALSO READ: NBA All-Star 2025 Philippine guide]
