Stephon Castle joins Victor Vembanyama with the final honor

On the heels of a historic performance for the San Antonio Spurs, Stephen Castle earned his first career NBA Western Conference Player of the Week. That’s an honorable teammate Victor Vembanyama predicted after Castle’s 40-point, 12-assist, 12-rebound performance in a 138-125 win against the Dallas Mavericks.

“That’s one of the best stat lines I’ve seen with my own eyes,” the Spurs’ generational talent declared.

From Wemby’s lips to #NBA Western Conference Second Half ‘Area 51’ Player of the Week

“…It’s one of the best stat lines in my eyes”⬇

Castle Stephon receives its first such honor thanks to the historic 40, 12 and 12 u #Spurs in against Dal#PorVida #GoSpursGo pic.twitter.com/MkRVGaBRP8

— Hector Ledesma (@HectorLedesmaTV) February 9, 2026

Finishing the week with his second career triple-double, 40 points tied a career high for Castle at 15-19 from the fieldincluding three of five from beyond the arc and seven of ten from the free throw line. He added two steals on the defensive end. The former UConn star became just the second player in NBA history to record a 40-point triple-double while shooting at least 75% from the field, joining Wilt Chamberlain. He is now also mentioned alongside David Robinson as the only Spurs player to ever record a 40-point triple-double. In that regard, he became the third youngest player in NBA history to achieve that feat, behind only LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

“He’s already up there as one of the best players in the league, so thank God there’s room for improvement,” Wemby added of the reigning Rookie of the Year.

Castle helped lead San Antonio to a 3-0 record from February 4-7, averaging 24 points, 7.3 rebounds, 7.3 assists and three steals in 26.7 minutes per game while shooting 63% from the field and 36.4% from three-point range. The Covington, Ga., native also had 14 points, four assists, three rebounds, three steals and two blocks in 26 minutes in a win against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The next night he checked in 18 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals in just 21 minutes off the bench in an away win at Dallas.

“I mean, definitely the best game of his career so far. It’s unbelievable,” Vembanyama said after the 40-12-12 game, which marked the Spurs’ second win in three nights against the Mavs.

Stephon Castle and Victor Vembanyama share more than nicknames

A two-time Western Conference Player of the Week, Wemby and Castle became known as “Area 51.” The nickname, based on each player’s number of jerseys, seems to be a perfect fit given Vembanjama’s ‘Alien’ nickname.

In the night Castle experienced the rarest of performances, especially for someone 21 years oldthe 7-foot-5 generational talent’s night was pedestrian by comparison – and by his own standards. Wemby had 16 points and 11 rebounds.

“He played the right way and took the defense’s picks and made them pay for it,” the 2023 No. 1 overall pick said of Castle’s outing that same night.

“I thought he was absolutely phenomenal all night with his pace, being on offense and balancing everything at the same time,” added Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson about the team’s 2024 first-round draft pick.

The one area where Castle didn’t shine? His drumming in center court in what is becoming a Spurs tradition after home wins.

“He’s definitely got some room to get better,” Wembanyama laughed as his team-mate paid his respects for the first time.

Atlanta Hawks standout Jaylen Johnson was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week.