Spurs Advance to West Finals as Castle Scores 32; Pistons Force Game 7

Context San Antonio entered Minnesota holding a 3‑2 series lead and needed a win to avoid a fifth‑game decider. Detroit faced elimination, trailing 3‑2 in the East and playing a must‑win on the Cavaliers’ home floor.

Key Facts - Stephon Castle delivered a wire‑to‑wire performance, posting 32 points and 11 rebounds on 11‑of‑16 shooting, propelling the Spurs to a 30‑point margin. - Victor Wembanyama added 21 points; De’Aaron Fox contributed 19, helping San Antonio dominate the paint and finish with 56 % field‑goal accuracy. - The win marks San Antonio’s first conference‑final appearance since 2017 and sets up a series against top‑seeded Oklahoma City, a team the Spurs beat 4‑1 in the regular season. - In Detroit, Cade Cunningham scored 21 points, including five three‑pointers, as the Pistons built a double‑digit lead early and never looked back. - Jalen Duren recorded 11 rebounds, three blocks and a steal; Paul Reed added 17 off the bench, while Daniss Jenkins and Duren each posted 15 points. - Cleveland’s James Harden led the Cavs with 23 points, but Donovan Mitchell was limited to 18. - The Pistons now travel to Detroit for Game 7, while the Spurs prepare for a showdown with the Thunder.

What It Means San Antonio’s decisive win eliminates the Timberwolves and positions the Spurs as a legitimate contender against a Thunder team that entered the playoffs as the league’s top seed. Their 4‑1 regular‑season record over Oklahoma City suggests a competitive series ahead. Detroit’s resurgence erases a looming exit and forces the Cavaliers into a road game for the series finale. The Pistons’ balanced scoring and interior defense indicate they can sustain pressure in a high‑stakes Game 7.

Looking Ahead Watch the Western Conference Finals for a potential upset by the Spurs and the Eastern Conference Game 7 in Detroit, where home‑court advantage could tip the balance.