San Antonio Spurs Players Talk Biggest Lessons, Goals Heading into 2025
Spurs players talk goals and lessons after beating the LA clippers 122-86 on New Years Eve.
The San Antonio Spurs ended 2024 on a high note, defeating the Los Angeles Clippers, 122-86 at the Frost Bank Center on New Years Eve.
After the game, SPURFECT asked Spurs G Chris Paul and Spurs rookie G Stephon Castle what their biggest lessons were in 2024. Paul responded with his biggest lesson of the year:
“The thing I always say (is) gratitude. I mean, I was in a situation last year, you know, where I was coming off the bench and not really playing that much, honestly… and you just got to stay the course. Keep working. And I was blessed and fortunate enough to end up here (with San Antonio). Well, not ‘end up here’ but it’s always great to feel wanted. I’ll never forget my conversation with Pop (Coach Gregg Popovich) the day I signed to come here, and it’s been better than I can ever imagine.”
Prior to arriving to San Antonio to play with the Spurs, Chris Paul was signed to the Golden State Warriors. He averaged 9.2 points, 6.8 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. The Warriors waived Paul on June 2024 before signing with the Spurs on a one-year $11 million deal on July 7th.
Throughout his time in San Antonio this season, Paul has been a starter, and has received a lots of praise from his teammates and coaches -primarily for his basketball knowledge, professionalism, and mentorship he has provided to the team as a veteran presence.
Paul has also broken records this season. He now ranks third all-time in both assists and steals, trailing only Jason Kidd and John Stockton. He is also the only player in NBA history with 22,000 points, 11,000 assists, and 2500 steals.
When SPURFECT asked Paul what his goals were heading into 2025- he stated:
“…Just to keep enjoying the moments. Perspective… for me now it’s about enjoying the moments. These years fly by, and you never know when it’s gonna be your last game. You never know when it’s going to be your last moment with your friends and family. So, just trying to enjoy it (the moment).”
With 2025 around the corner, SPURFECT asked rookie G Stephon Castle what his lessons were in 2024. He responded with what he learned the most throughout the year:
“The biggest lesson I probably learned. I probably learned it once I got to the NBA. Well, I wouldn’t say I learned it when I got to the NBA, but I will say I used it more recently. Having ‘short-term memory’. I mean, (this is) a tough league to be good in. So you’re not always going to have a great game. So being able to redeem yourself in a short time span has been a luxury for me.
Castle has had an impressive rookie year thus far, having performances making the most out of limited minutes, and has recently been ranked as #1 by NBA.com for ‘Rookie of the Year’ due to his floor presence and defensive performances throughout the season.
As far as his goals for 2025 are concerned, he responded:
“I really don’t have goals I set forward on. I just try to take it day-by-day and game-by-game, and trying to stack W’s.”
The San Antonio Spurs are 17-16 heading into 2025. On January 1st 2024, the Spurs were 5-27. It’s safe to say stacking wins is the primary goal for the team at the moment.