The San Antonio Spurs didn’t just win on Tuesday night—they outlasted a broken Memphis Grizzlies team in a gritty 111-101 victory at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t dominant. But when it mattered most, De'Aaron Fox and Harrison Barnes delivered the knockout punch. With 11 seconds left in the third quarter, the game was tied at 80. By the final buzzer, the Spurs had ripped off an 11-0 run that left Memphis gasping. The win improved San Antonio’s record to 10-4, cementing their place as one of the Western Conference’s most consistent teams. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies fell to 4-11, their season unraveling faster than a frayed jersey.
The Decisive Run That Broke Memphis
The game’s turning point didn’t come from a flashy alley-oop or a buzzer-beater. It came from sheer will. With 8:47 left in the fourth quarter, De'Aaron Fox hit a step-back three from the wing. Then, after a defensive stop, Harrison Barnes drove through traffic, absorbed contact, and finished with a soft floater. A minute later, Fox stripped the ball from Cedric Coward and sprinted the length of the court for a layup. By the time the run ended, the Spurs had turned a two-point deficit into a nine-point lead. "It wasn’t about talent," said one Spurs assistant coach afterward. "It was about who wanted it more. And Memphis? They were running on fumes."Fox and Barnes Carry the Load
De'Aaron Fox finished with a game-high 26 points, three three-pointers, and two steals—his most efficient outing since joining San Antonio. He scored 11 of his points in the third quarter alone, shooting 44% from the field and keeping the offense flowing even when Memphis tightened the defense. Barnes, meanwhile, was the quiet assassin: 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including 4-of-8 from deep, plus five rebounds. His late-game drive over Jaren Jackson Jr.—a tough, fading shot with a defender draped over him—was the kind of play that wins close games. "He doesn’t celebrate," said Spurs head coach Brian Wright. "He just nods and walks back on defense. That’s the kind of guy you build around."Memphis Without Its Heart
The Grizzlies’ struggles weren’t just about bad shooting or missed assignments. They were about absence. As the Memphis Grizzlies YouTube highlights confirmed, the team was missing nearly every key piece: Ja Morant, their All-Star point guard, hasn’t played a single game this season due to ongoing knee recovery. Steven Adams—referred to as "Clark" in a botched transcript—is sidelined with a back injury. Scotty Pippen Jr. hasn’t suited up all year. Tai Webster (likely misidentified as "Tai Jerome") is out with a hamstring strain. And Javon Small, their defensive sparkplug, missed this game with a toe injury. Without Morant’s playmaking and Adams’ interior presence, Memphis looked lost. Cedric Coward, their lone bright spot, fought valiantly with 19 points and 11 rebounds, but he was often doubled and isolated. "He’s fearless in San Antonio," one Grizzlies analyst noted on their post-game show. "But you can’t win an NBA game with one guy carrying the whole team."
Home Court Advantage Still Matters
The AT&T Center has long been a fortress for the Spurs. On this night, the crowd of 18,207—nearly sold out—turned every defensive stop into a roar. The energy was palpable. When Barnes hit his final three-pointer with 2:17 left, the building shook. The Spurs are now 7-1 at home this season, and their ability to close out games at home has become a defining trait. "We’ve got a culture here," said veteran guard Devin Vassell after the game. "People think we’re rebuilding. We’re just waiting for our moment to explode. And this? This is it."What’s Next for Both Teams?
The Spurs face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday, another tough test in a gauntlet of Western Conference rivals. But with Fox and Barnes clicking, and young big man Victor Wembanyama finally finding his rhythm, San Antonio looks like a legitimate playoff threat. For Memphis? The outlook is grim. They’re now on a five-game road losing streak and won’t return home until December 3. With Morant still rehabbing and no clear timeline for his return, the Grizzlies are in full rebuild mode. General manager Zach Kleiman admitted in a recent interview, "We’re playing for draft position now. But we’re not giving up. We’re just trying to survive until next year."
Behind the Numbers
- San Antonio’s 11-0 run in the fourth quarter was their largest of the season. - Fox’s 26 points marked his third 25+ point game in his last five outings. - Memphis shot just 38% from the field and 29% from three—well below their season averages. - The Grizzlies committed 18 turnovers, 10 of which came in the final 12 minutes. - San Antonio outrebounded Memphis 47-39, with Barnes and Wembanyama combining for 18 boards.Why This Matters
This game wasn’t just about two teams playing basketball. It was a microcosm of where the NBA is right now: young, resilient teams rising, and once-dominant franchises clinging to relevance without their stars. The Spurs are proving they can win without Kawhi Leonard or Tim Duncan. The Grizzlies are learning how hard it is to win without Ja Morant. The league is shifting. And Tuesday night in San Antonio? That’s where the new reality became clear.Frequently Asked Questions
How has De'Aaron Fox performed since joining the Spurs?
Since being traded to San Antonio in the offseason, De'Aaron Fox has averaged 23.8 points and 7.1 assists per game, shooting 46% from the field and 39% from three. His 26-point outing against Memphis was his third 25+ point game in five contests, showing he’s adapting quickly to the Spurs’ system and becoming their primary offensive engine.
Why are the Memphis Grizzlies struggling so badly this season?
The Grizzlies are missing their core: Ja Morant (knee rehab), Steven Adams (back), Scotty Pippen Jr. (injured), and Javon Small (toe). Without Morant’s elite playmaking and Adams’ rim protection, the team lacks structure. Their offensive rating ranks 27th in the NBA, and they’ve lost 10 of their last 11 road games.
What’s the significance of the 11-0 run in the fourth quarter?
That run was the Spurs’ largest of the season and came when the game was tied. It showcased their poise under pressure and highlighted how Fox and Barnes can take over in crunch time. Teams that can close out games with such efficiency are often the ones that make deep playoff runs—and San Antonio is proving they’re capable.
How has the absence of Ja Morant affected the Grizzlies' defense?
Morant’s absence has hurt Memphis’ transition defense and perimeter pressure. He’s one of the league’s best at forcing turnovers and initiating fast breaks. Without him, opponents are taking more time on offense, and the Grizzlies’ defense has become predictable. They’re allowing 114.3 points per game, up from 108.2 last season.
Is the San Antonio Spurs’ 10-4 record sustainable?
Yes—especially with their depth and home-court dominance. They’ve won 7 of 8 at the AT&T Center, and their bench has outscored opponents’ reserves in 8 of their 14 games. If Fox and Wembanyama stay healthy, and Barnes continues his efficient scoring, they’re a top-4 Western seed.
When might Ja Morant return to the court?
The Grizzlies have not announced a return date, but sources close to the team say Morant is targeting mid-December for a limited return. He’s still undergoing strength and agility drills, and the team is prioritizing long-term health over rushing him back. His absence remains the biggest obstacle to Memphis’s playoff hopes.