Tensions flared late in Game 4 when Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs and Deni Avdija of the Portland Trail Blazers got into a brief altercation following an and-one finish and ball handoff.
While the on-court moment was minor, their contrasting postgame reactions drew more attention, as noted by Tom Orsborn.
Castle brushed it off as typical competitive play, but Avdija made it clear he took issue with the exchange.
“You can be tough, you can be, you know, physical, but there’s a level of disrespect I’m not going to accept,” Avdija said. “ … At one point, it was just disrespectful. I’m not playing that.”
The Blazers forward had already highlighted the growing physicality of the series, pointing out how each game has seen shifts in intensity between the two teams, according to Sean Highkin.
That escalating edge may have contributed to the clash, especially given both players’ physical styles.
“Game 1, they were more physical. Game 2, we were more physical. Last night, they were more physical,” he said. “ … Next game, I expect to wear two mouth guards.”
Blazers Notes: Avdija, Game 4, Williams, Moda Center https://t.co/u8O84mANyW
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 28, 2026
