Spurs' Stephon Castle takes nasty hit from Deni Avdija after controversial incident in Game 4
Deni Avdija settles disrespect with Stephon Castle unintentionally.
Spurs' Stephon Castle takes nasty hit from Deni Avdija after controversial incident in Game 4 originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The drama between San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle and Portland Trail Blazers star Deni Avdija continued in Game 5 of the NBA playoffs first round.
In the third quarter, with 11:28 remaining, Castle made a screen action and, in the process, got hit on the head by Avdija's elbow. The former Rookie of the Year was seen holding his head after the nasty blow. It seems unintentional, though.
Stephon Castle took an inadvertent elbow to the head from Deni Avdija 😬 #NBAPlayoffs pic. twitter. com/fVHXPNUcSK — TSN (@TSN_Sports) April 29, 2026 Keeping in mind what happened between the two at the end of Game 4, Castle was offended by that hit.
More: Stephon Castle's performances earn huge praise from NBA All-Star Devin Booker Deni Avdija accuses Stephon Castle for unnecessary provoking After making the shot near the end of Game 4, Stephon Castle pushed the game ball in Deni Avdija's chest, leading to a heated scuffle between the two. The Israeli All-Star was not at all happy about the disrespect as he called out Castle for the unnecessary provocation. Instead of apologizing, Castle reportedly mocked Avdija as the two had to be separated by their respective benches.