San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle and Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija were involved in a shoving altercation following Game 4 of the first-round playoffs [1, 2].
The incident highlights the escalating tension between the two teams as the Spurs attempt to close out the series. The confrontation underscores how individual on-court highlights can translate into personal animosity between players during high-stakes postseason play.
The conflict began when Castle performed a poster dunk on Isaiah Hartenstein during the game [1, 3]. Avdija said the play was disrespectful, which sparked the physical encounter after the game concluded [1, 2].
The altercation occurred on April 26, 2026 [2]. The game was marked by a significant shift in momentum, as the Spurs rallied from a 19-point deficit before halftime [1].
Following the conclusion of Game 4, the Spurs held a 3-1 lead in the series [1]. While some reports suggested the dunk occurred during a different series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, primary accounts from the New York Times and Sports Illustrated confirm the event took place during the Trail Blazers series [2, 3].
Castle's aggressive play contributed to the Spurs' momentum in the first round. The shoving match between Avdija and Castle served as a flashpoint for the friction that has defined the series between the two franchises.
“Castle performed a poster dunk on Isaiah Hartenstein that was called “disrespectful” by Avdija”
The friction between Castle and Avdija reflects the psychological warfare common in the NBA playoffs, where 'poster' dunks are viewed as dominant assertions of power. With the Spurs holding a 3-1 series lead, these emotional outbursts often signal a breaking point for the trailing team, potentially impacting the discipline and focus of the Trail Blazers as they face elimination.
