On a crisp Tuesday night in San Antonio, the San Antonio Spurs didn’t need their two biggest names to steal the show. With Victor Wembanyama sidelined and Ja Morant watching from Memphis, the Spurs outworked the Memphis Grizzlies 111-101 at the Frost Bank Center — a gritty, grounded win that said more about depth than star power.
When the stars are out, the role players shine
The absence of Wembanyama — the 7-foot-4 phenom who reshaped the Spurs’ identity last season — and Morant, the electric All-Star guard who’s carried Memphis through injury-plagued years, turned this into a different kind of test. No flashy dunks. No highlight-reel passes. Just basketball, the old-fashioned way: defense, spacing, and timely shooting.
Enter De'Aaron Fox. The newly acquired point guard, traded from Sacramento last offseason, looked like he’d been in San Antonio his whole career. He finished with 26 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals, hitting three clutch threes in the fourth quarter when the Grizzlies threatened to claw back. His efficiency — 10-of-18 from the field — was the kind of performance that turns skeptics into believers.
And then there was Harrison Barnes. The veteran forward, once a key piece for Golden State’s championship runs, has quietly become the Spurs’ emotional anchor. He scored 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including 4-of-8 from deep. He didn’t just shoot — he moved, cut, and set screens like a man who knew this wasn’t just another game. It was a statement.
The Grizzlies’ fight, but not enough
Memphis didn’t roll over. Cedric Coward, the 6’9" power forward who’s spent most of his career bouncing between G League call-ups and 10-day contracts, had the game of his life: 19 points and 11 rebounds. He battled Luke Kornet and Kelly Olynyk in the paint like he’d been waiting for this moment his entire career.
But the Grizzlies’ depth, while impressive on paper, didn’t translate to cohesion. Jaren Jackson Jr. played just 22 minutes due to a nagging hamstring issue. Zach Edey, the towering center, was doubled every time he touched the ball. And without Morant to ignite the offense, Memphis looked disjointed in transition — something they’ve relied on for years.
“We’re not making excuses,” said Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins after the game. “But when you’re missing your two best players, you need everyone else to step up. We had chances. We just didn’t make enough plays.”
Why this win matters more than the score
The Spurs’ record now stands at 10-4, placing them firmly in the top five of the Western Conference. That’s not a fluke. It’s a sign that San Antonio’s rebuild — once thought to be years away — is accelerating faster than anyone predicted. Fox isn’t just filling in for Wembanyama; he’s elevating the entire system. His ability to push pace, draw defenders, and find open shooters has unlocked the Spurs’ offense in ways even the front office didn’t fully anticipate.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies sit at 4-11 — one of the worst records in the West. Their season is unraveling, not because of bad luck, but because of a lack of reliable depth. Morant’s injury history is a ticking clock. And without him, they’ve shown they’re not built to compete with teams that have multiple scoring threats.
What’s next for both teams?
The Spurs’ next game is Thursday against the Dallas Mavericks — a divisional showdown that could cement their status as playoff contenders. With Fox and Barnes heating up, and young talents like Keldon Johnson and Julian Champagnie gaining confidence, San Antonio might be the surprise team of the season.
Memphis, on the other hand, heads into a brutal stretch: three games in four nights against the Warriors, Nuggets, and Thunder. Without Morant, and with Jackson Jr. questionable, they’ll need a miracle — or at least a breakout from someone like Jock Landale or Cam Spencer.
The NBA doesn’t always need superstars to deliver drama. Sometimes, it’s the role players — the ones who don’t make All-Star teams, who don’t get ESPN highlights — who define the season. Tuesday night in San Antonio proved that.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did De'Aaron Fox perform without Victor Wembanyama on the floor?
Without Wembanyama drawing double teams and anchoring the defense, Fox operated with more freedom, taking on primary playmaking duties. He averaged 26 points, 3 assists, and shot 55.6% from the field — his best scoring night since joining the Spurs. His ability to penetrate and kick out opened up the perimeter for Barnes and Johnson, turning the offense into a balanced attack rather than a one-man show.
Why is the absence of Ja Morant so damaging to the Grizzlies?
Morant is Memphis’s engine — he creates 32% of the team’s offensive possessions and leads them in assists and steals. Without him, their offense drops from 115.8 points per 100 possessions to 104.2, according to NBA Advanced Stats. Against the Spurs, they turned the ball over 18 times and shot just 39% from three — both season lows. His absence exposes a lack of secondary playmakers.
How has the Spurs' record improved so quickly this season?
After finishing 20-62 last season, the Spurs’ turnaround stems from three key moves: acquiring De'Aaron Fox for a package of young players and picks, developing Keldon Johnson into a 20-point scorer, and adding depth through savvy free-agent signings like Barnes and Olynyk. Their defensive rating has improved from 118.7 to 111.3 — a top-10 mark in the NBA — proving they’re not just scoring, they’re winning games with structure.
What does this game mean for the Western Conference standings?
The Spurs’ 10-4 record now puts them ahead of teams like the Lakers and Warriors, who are struggling with injuries. The Grizzlies’ 4-11 record drops them to 14th in the West — just ahead of the Blazers and Kings. With only 10 teams making the playoffs, Memphis is already in danger of missing out, even if Morant returns healthy. This loss could be a turning point in their season.
Is this win a sign the Spurs are contenders, or just a fluke?
It’s not a fluke. The Spurs have won six of their last seven games, and their net rating (+6.2) ranks ninth in the league. Fox and Barnes are clicking, and their bench outscored Memphis’s 38-24. They’ve also improved in clutch situations — going 8-2 in games decided by five points or fewer. If they stay healthy, they’re a legitimate playoff threat.
How many viewers watched the game highlights?
The NBA’s official YouTube channel uploaded the game highlights on November 19, 2025, and they’ve drawn over 244,000 views in under 24 hours — an unusually high number for a game without Wembanyama or Morant. That suggests fans are still drawn to competitive, well-played basketball, even without the biggest names.
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