Spurs' Stephon Castle takes nasty hit from Deni Avdija after controversial incident in Game 4

1 hour ago 4

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. Even then, both were exchanging words.

After the game, Avdija accused the Spurs star of unnecessary provocation.

“I think he’s a good player. I have a lot of respect for him. But the thing at the end with shoving the ball in my chest is unnecessary,” Avdija told reporters. “I don’t play those games. That’s not who I am. You can be tough, you can be physical, but there’s a level of disrespect I’m not going to accept. He’s done a lot of provocation throughout the whole game. At one point, it was just disrespectful. And as I said, I’m not playing like that.”

With the Spurs putting the screws on the Trail Blazers in Game 5, leading 76-55 in the third quarter with 5:28 remaining, the tensions between the two will finally settle down.