Devin Vassell celebrates Stephon Castle's perimeter defense as the best in the league

Defense has been one of the most important talking points in the Western Conference Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Most people know the latter is arguably the greatest defensive team of the modern age, but the Spurs are matching them in this series.

Stephon Castle is a big part of that, as he is playing out of his mind with his perimeter defense. Of course, Victor  Wembanyama is the dominant defensive force in the paint, but Castle is getting much-deserved plaudits for his play.

Stephon Castle receives praise for his elite perimeter defense

Spurs veteran Devin Vassell is also a top-notch defender. However, he is willing to admit that Castle is arguably the best in the world with his perimeter defense. With how he played against OKC's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, it's not surprising that Vassell is celebrating his teammate.

Most of the time, SGA averages around 30 points per game. However, that was not the case in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals. He was held to only 19 points, and he was quite inefficient with his 6-for-15 shooting splits.

MORE: Stephon Castle earns All-NBA votes, shocking plenty of NBA fans

Castle played a huge role in SGA's struggles in Game 4. He was playing physical defense, as seen with his five personal fouls. However, that was enough to keep Gilgeous-Alexander at bay.

"Best perimeter defense in the league. He holds himself to that standard; he buys in all the time. He's ultra physical, knows how to slide his feet, has quick hands, he's just a pest the whole game," Vassell said in his post-game presser after Game 4 about Castle's defense.

The Spurs are an impressive defensive unit, mostly because of Wembanyama. However, Castle, Vassell, and the rest of the perimeter players are holding their own as well. That is why the WCF is all tied at up at 2-2, and the Spurs have a legitimate shot of reaching the NBA Finals.

More NBA news:

• Devin Vassell speaks about the physicality the Spurs have had to endure vs the Thunder
• Mark Daigneault speaks about the Thunder's approach in Game 4 not being good enough
• Victor Wembanyama's dazzling half-court buzzer-beater that shocked the league
• The complete box score from Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals
• How some nuns became one of the biggest talking points in Game 4 of the WCF