Published
May 27, 2026 at 11:13 AM EDT
The San Antonio Spurs dropped Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals on Tuesday night, losing 127-114 to the Oklahoma City Thunder and falling into a 3-2 series deficit.
Following the game, frustration was once again directed toward the officiating, which has been a controversial topic throughout the postseason.
Spurs guard Stephon Castle, while not pointing to any specific calls, suggested San Antonio is not receiving the same freedom to play physically on defense that Oklahoma City is getting.
“It’s tough,” Castle said postgame. “The way they guard, how physical they are, we don’t get that same luxury to be able to play as physical on the other end at times.”
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While the officials certainly made some questionable calls throughout the game, they were far from the main reason San Antonio lost.
The Spurs were called for seven more fouls than the Thunder, but only attempted six fewer free throws overall. More importantly, the Spurs received limited production from several starters, including Victor Wembanyama, who finished with just 20 points and six rebounds while shooting 4-for-15 from the field — numbers that simply are not good enough in the Western Conference Finals.
Castle, along with Julian Champagnie and Keldon Johnson, was one of the few bright spots for San Antonio. Castle recorded 24 points, six assists, five rebounds, and three steals while shooting 7-for-11 from the field and 3-for-5 from three-point range.
The Spurs will now have their backs against the wall Thursday night at home in Game 6 as they attempt to force a Game 7, which would be played in Oklahoma City on Saturday night.
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