San Antonio Spurs players Stephon Castle and Luke Kornet have won the NBA's fan-voted Dunk of the Year and Block of the Year awards for the 2025-26 season. The honors come as the reigning Western Conference Champions aim to rebound from a tough Finals loss and a recent 90-94 defeat to the New York Knicks on June 14, 2026.
What were the award-winning plays?
Stephon Castle's Dunk of the Year came in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 6'5" guard took a pass from Victor Wembanyama at the top of the arc and drove straight down the lane for a tomahawk slam over seven-foot Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein. Replays showed Castle got the ball as high as the top of the backboard square. In the same game, Hartenstein later yanked Castle down after a tangle involving Castle's hair.
Luke Kornet's Block of the Year was a season-defining moment in Game 7 of that series. With the Spurs clinging to a six-point lead early in the fourth quarter and Wembanyama on the bench with five fouls, Kornet chased down Hartenstein after a steal. He blocked the breakaway layup attempt, a play that stopped Oklahoma City's building momentum and helped secure San Antonio's trip to the NBA Finals.
Why do these awards matter for the Spurs?
Beating out teammate Victor Wembanyama for these awards is notable. Wembanyama is arguably the league's premier shot-blocker and a highlight-reel dunker himself. Castle's award signals his explosive athleticism and fit as a scoring threat alongside Wembanyama. Kornet's block proved his defensive value in high-pressure moments when the team's star was in foul trouble. These plays were key in a playoff run that ended with a Western Conference title.
The team's current form, however, shows a need for consistency. Their last result was a 90-94 loss to the New York Knicks on June 14, 2026. Their recent form over the last five games is 1 win and 4 losses, having lost the last four in a row. You can track their progress on the official standings page.
Who won the other NBA Plays of the Year awards?
The fans voted for several other winners. Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets won Assist of the Year. Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks took home the award for best Handles. Bam Adebayo's 83-point performance earned him best Performance, though some analysts are skeptical of the game's context. OG Anunoby won Clutch Play of the Year, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was voted best Drip, presumably for his wardrobe.
What's next for San Antonio?
The Spurs enter the 2026-27 season as defending Western Conference champions with something to prove after their Finals disappointment. Integrating young talents like Castle with established stars like Wembanyama will be key. The front office will likely look to address roster needs to improve on their recent 1W-4L form. Fans can follow the team's upcoming schedule on our schedule page. The Dunk and Block of the Year awards are a bright spot from a successful season, but the focus is now squarely on the future.
