The first round of the NBA playoffs has produced a spate of injuries, and the San Antonio Spurs are facing one more.
On the day that Victor Wembanyama returned from a concussion, guard Stephon Castle, the 2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year, suffered an injured left hand during a drive to the basket Sunday, April 26 in Game 4 of the team’s first-round playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers.
On the play, which came midway through the second quarter, Castle was driving against Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant, who tried to draw a charge. When Castle crashed into Grant, however, the two fell to the court, and Castle landed on his left hand.
He initially remained in the game, but repeatedly favored it, especially when it grazed against other players. Eventually Castle asked to be subbed out, and he headed into the locker room.
🚨Spurs rushed Stephon Castle to get X Rays on an injured hand. He was in pain after this play and asked to be subbed out so he could go to the locker room right away. He has returned to the bench. pic.twitter.com/vTLzZJo2p4
REPORT: Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards expected to miss multiple weeks
According to the ESPN broadcast, Castle received X-rays, though he eventually returned to the bench. Once seated, he continued to be in apparent discomfort, shaking his left hand.
Castle did have more tape on the hand, and he returned to the game briefly before being subbed out with 1:57 left in the first half.
Through two quarters, Castle played 11:48 and went 4-of-8 from the field for 10 points, adding 2 assists.
The Spurs struggled in the second quarter, as Portland has opened a 58-41 lead at the half.
The good news for San Antonio was that Castle was on the floor to start the third quarter, which coincided with a 13-0 Spurs run to start the period.
Moondog performs during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.A member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Scream Team performs during a time out during the second half of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.Cleveland Brows player Myles Garrett riles up the crowd during the first half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.A fan waves a towel during the second half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.Fans arrive to watch warmups before game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena.1 / 5NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energyMoondog performs during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.1 / 5NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energyMoondog performs during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.2 / 5NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energyA member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Scream Team performs during a time out during the second half of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.3 / 5NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energyCleveland Brows player Myles Garrett riles up the crowd during the first half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.4 / 5NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energyA fan waves a towel during the second half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.5 / 5NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energyFans arrive to watch warmups before game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena.The biggest stories, every morning. Stay up-to-date on all the key sports developments by subscribing to USA TODAY Sports' newsletter.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Stephon Castle injures hand during Spurs vs Blazers in NBA playoffs