NBA Player News

Castle logged 17 points (5-14 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 6-7 FT), six rebounds, 11 assists and one steal across 49 minutes during Monday's 122-115 double-overtime victory over the Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

Castle recorded his third double-double of the postseason, helping the Spurs to an emphatic road victory in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. With De'Aaron Fox (ankle) sidelined, Castle was tasked with doing more of the ballhandling, ending with 11 assists and 11 turnovers. Despite some carelessness with the ball, Castle did an admirable job of finding his teammates, particularly Victor Wembanyama. If Fox is ruled out for Game 2, Castle is likely to serve as the primary ballhandler once again.

Harper totaled 24 points (8-20 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 7-7 FT), 11 rebounds, six assists and seven steals in 47 minutes during Monday's 122-115 double-overtime victory over Oklahoma City in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

Harper moved into the starting lineup, replacing De'Aaron Fox, who was ruled out with an ankle injury. It was Harper's first start of the postseason, and the fifth of his career. He repaid the coaches, delivering an elite two-way performance, scoring 24 points for the second time in the past four games and adding a career-high seven steals. In 12 playoff appearances, the rookie has averaged 14.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.7 steals in 27.0 minutes per contest. If Fox is forced to miss Game 2, expect to see Harper retain his spot in the opening five.

Caruso contributed 31 points (11-19 FG, 8-14 3Pt, 1-3 FT), two rebounds, two steals, two blocks and one assist across 32 minutes in Monday's 122-115 double-overtime loss to the Spurs in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

Caruso was all over the place Monday, making his presence felt on both ends of the floor despite the tightly contested loss. The veteran swingman scored 10 points in the opening quarter amid some early-game struggles for the Thunder, and he ended with a team- and season-high 31 points. He also supplied multiple steals for a fourth straight game and multiple blocks for the first time since March 21.

Wembanyama racked up 41 points (14-25 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 12-13 FT), 24 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal across 49 minutes in Monday's 122-115 double-overtime win over the Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

The Thunder threw the kitchen sink at Wembanyama in this one, though it didn't stop him from becoming the youngest player in NBA history to record at least 40 points and 20 rebounds in a playoff game. The superstar center led all players in points, rebounds and blocks in a career-high 49 minutes. His 24 rebounds were also a career high, and he has now logged seven double-doubles this postseason. While it'll be a difficult performance to replicate, Wembanyama will look to remain highly productive and lead San Antonio to a commanding 2-0 series lead in Oklahoma City on Wednesday.

Harper will start Monday's Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Thunder.

With De'Aaron Fox (ankle) unavailable, Harper will draw his first career postseason start. The rookie first-rounder played well in the second-round series against the Timberwolves, during which he averaged 14.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 steals in 24.8 minutes per contest across six outings.

Mitchell will come off the bench for Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Spurs on Monday, Brandon Rahbar of DailyThunder.com reports.

Mitchell filled in admirably during the semifinals against the Lakers, averaging 22.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.8 steals over four games. He'll head back to a bench role with Jalen Williams set to return from a hamstring injury, though Mitchell should remain a key contributor within the Thunder rotation.

Kornet (foot) is available for Monday's Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Thunder, Paul Garcia of ProjectSpurs.com reports.

Kornet will shed his questionable tag due to left foot soreness and suit up in Oklahoma City. Over six second-round appearances against the Timberwolves, the big man averaged 3.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.6 combined steals-plus-blocks in 13.8 minutes per tilt.

Fox (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Thunder, Marc J. Spears of ESPN.com reports.

Although head coach Mitch Johnson said earlier that the expectation was for Fox to play, he has now been ruled out for the opening matchup of the Western Conference Finals. His next chance to play will come in Game 2 on Wednesday. With the star guard sidelined, Dylan Harper and Keldon Johnson will likely take on expanded roles.

Kornet (foot) will do everything he can to suit up for Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Thunder on Monday, Andrew Schlecht of The Athletic reports.

Kornet remains listed as questionable for Monday's clash due to a left foot injury, but the Spurs expect him to give it a go. Head coach Mitch Johnson noted that both Kornet and De'Aaron Fox (ankle) will continue to deal with their respective injuries even if they're cleared to play, so it's safe to assume that neither player will be at full strength. The Spurs should have official word on Kornet's availability closer to tipoff.

Head coach Mitch Johnson said he expects Fox (ankle) to play in Monday's Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Thunder, Andrew Schlecht of The Athletic reports.

Fox is still dealing with a lingering right ankle issue, though he has yet to miss a game this postseason and is trending toward playing Monday. Over six games in the Western Conference Semifinals against the Timberwolves, the star guard averaged 17.7 points, 5.0 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 31.5 minutes per contest.