The San Antonio Spurs didn’t just win — they proved they can thrive without their stars. On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, the Spurs outlasted the Memphis Grizzlies 111-101 in a gritty, emotionally charged performance that silenced doubters and reignited their playoff hopes. With key players like Victor Wembanyama, Stefan Castle, and Dylan Harper sidelined by injuries, the win wasn’t just impressive — it was a statement. De’Aaron Fox led the charge with 26 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals, while Harrison Barnes poured in 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including four three-pointers that came at the most critical moments. The victory snapped an 11-game home losing streak against Memphis — a streak that had haunted the Spurs since 2022 — and pushed their record to 10-4, tying them for third in the loaded Western Conference.
Depth Over Stardom: How the Spurs Pulled It Off
Here’s the thing: nobody expected this. Not after losing Wembanyama for the third straight game, not after Castle’s ankle injury sidelined him just before tip-off, and certainly not after Harper’s season-ending knee surgery in October. Yet the Spurs kept rolling. It wasn’t just Fox and Barnes. Keldon Johnson slashed through the Grizzlies’ defense with coast-to-coast drives, Carter Bryant finished a putback tip-in with two hands, and Devin Vassell locked down Jaren Jackson Jr. on the perimeter. Even Lindy Waters III and Jeremy Sochan — players most fans wouldn’t recognize on a highlight reel — delivered crucial minutes and defensive stops. The bench outscored Memphis’ reserves 38-22. That’s not luck. That’s culture.
Grizzlies Struggle Without a True Point Guard
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies looked lost. Ja Morant, their engine, was absent — again — as he continues his rehab from a torn ACL. Without him, the offense stagnated. Cedric Coward fought hard with 19 points and 11 rebounds, but he’s a power forward, not a playmaker. Jock Landale and Zach Edey dominated the paint early, but the Grizzlies couldn’t generate consistent ball movement. NBC Sports analyst Jamal Crawford, a three-time Sixth Man of the Year, put it bluntly during the broadcast: “They’re not just missing a point guard — they’re missing a heartbeat.” The broadcast transcript from 0:06:59 noted the team had zero players with more than 4.2 assists per game, and no one who could consistently break down a defense. Jaylen Wells and Cam Spencer tried to fill the void, but their decision-making was erratic, leading to 18 turnovers.
The Decisive Run: When the Spurs Took Control
With 3:12 left and the score tied at 99-99, everything changed. The Spurs went on an 11-0 run — no timeouts, no panic. Fox hit a step-back three. Barnes answered with a contested fadeaway. Then Johnson stripped Kentavious Caldwell-Pope at midcourt and finished with a thunderous dunk. The crowd at the Frost Bank Center rose as one. “You can feel it here in Spurs land,” said play-by-play voice Noah Eagle on NBC Sports. The YouTube highlights at 0:09:15 captured Fox’s final bucket — a high-arcing floater over two defenders — as the crowd chanted “SPURS! SPURS!” in unison. It wasn’t just a win. It was a coronation of resilience.
What This Means for the Western Conference
The Spurs are no longer a team to be overlooked. At 10-4, they’re tied with the Denver Nuggets and just behind the Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder. And they’ve done it without their best player. Reggie Miller, the Hall of Famer and analyst, said during halftime: “This is what San Antonio does. They don’t rebuild — they reorganize. You think they’re down? They’re just waiting for the right moment.” That moment might be now. With the All-Star break in February 2026, the Spurs have a chance to get healthy — and if Fox and Barnes keep playing like this, they could be a nightmare matchup in the playoffs.
For the Grizzlies? The alarm bells are ringing. At 4-11, they’re second-worst in the West. Their next game — against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 20 — could define their season. Do they have enough to survive the Western gauntlet? Or will they become another casualty of a league that rewards depth, not just talent?
Behind the Scenes: The Spurs’ Culture of Quiet Excellence
What separates San Antonio from other teams with injuries? It’s not just coaching. It’s the culture. The Spurs’ front office, headquartered at 1 AT&T Center Parkway, has spent decades building a system where roles are clear, expectations are high, and accountability is non-negotiable. Even with Wembanyama out, the locker room doesn’t crack. Assistant coach Gregg Popovich — still calling the shots despite his age — has said in private meetings, “We don’t care who scores. We care who wins.” That mindset showed Tuesday. Players rotated in and out seamlessly. No one complained. No one pointed fingers. Just execution.
Compare that to Memphis, where the absence of Morant has exposed deeper issues: inconsistent rotation, poor shot selection, and a lack of leadership on the floor. The Grizzlies’ front office at 191 Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, will need to make moves — not just in February, but now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Spurs manage to win without Victor Wembanyama?
The Spurs leaned on role players like Harrison Barnes, Keldon Johnson, and Devin Vassell, who stepped into larger offensive roles. Their depth — 10 players scored at least 5 points — and disciplined defense offset Wembanyama’s absence. The team’s system prioritizes ball movement and spacing, which allowed others to thrive without a dominant inside presence.
Why is the lack of a true point guard hurting the Grizzlies?
Without Ja Morant, Memphis lacks a playmaker who can create shots under pressure. Their top assisters — Jock Landale and Cam Spencer — average under 4.5 assists per game, far below league average. This forces scorers like Cedric Coward to create their own shots, leading to lower efficiency and more turnovers, especially in clutch moments.
What’s the significance of snapping the 11-game home losing streak against Memphis?
The Spurs hadn’t beaten the Grizzlies at home since January 2022 — a stretch of 11 losses that became a psychological barrier. Winning this game not only breaks that streak but signals a shift in momentum. It shows the Spurs can now dominate teams they’ve historically struggled against, boosting confidence ahead of a tough Western Conference schedule.
What does Jamal Crawford mean by “the time is now” for the Spurs?
Crawford, a veteran of 19 NBA seasons, believes the Spurs’ window is opening. With a strong record and depth to withstand injuries, they’re positioned to peak in April when the playoffs begin. If they stay healthy after the All-Star break, they could be a top-four seed — and dangerous in a short series. The clock is ticking, and they’re not wasting time.
When do the Spurs and Grizzlies play next?
The Spurs face the Dallas Mavericks on November 20, 2025, at American Airlines Center, while the Grizzlies travel to face the Los Angeles Lakers the same night. Both games are pivotal: Dallas is chasing a top-three seed, and the Lakers are trying to climb out of the West’s bottom half. These matchups will test both teams’ resolve.
How does this win affect the Spurs’ playoff chances?
At 10-4, the Spurs are tied for third in the West. With only 68 games left, they’re on pace for 52 wins — a solid playoff berth. Their ability to win without stars makes them dangerous. If they stay healthy after February, they could challenge the Suns or Thunder for home-court advantage. Depth like this is rare — and it’s exactly what wins championships.
