The San Antonio Spurs pulled out a gritty 111-101 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Frost Bank Center — a game that felt more like a war of attrition than a showcase. With both teams missing their franchise cornerstones — the Spurs without Victor Wembanyama and the Grizzlies without Ja Morant — the outcome came down to grit, execution, and a late surge from De'Aaron Fox and Harrison Barnes. The win improved San Antonio’s record to 10-4, while Memphis fell to 4-11, extending their struggles in a season already derailed by injuries.
How the Game Unfolded: A Fourth-Quarter Collapse for Memphis
The game was tight through three quarters, with neither team ever leading by more than eight. The Grizzlies even held a slim 87-86 edge heading into the final frame, fueled by a 40-point explosion in the third — their highest-scoring quarter of the season. But then, everything changed. Memphis went cold. They scored just 14 points in the final 12 minutes, shooting 3-for-18 from the field. Meanwhile, the Spurs, led by Fox’s relentless drives and Barnes’ clutch mid-range jumpers, outscored them 25-14 to close it out. The difference? Defense. San Antonio held Memphis to 37% shooting in the fourth, forcing five turnovers in the final five minutes.
Key Performers: Fox Steals the Spotlight
With Wembanyama sidelined, the Spurs leaned on veteran leadership. De'Aaron Fox delivered a game-high 26 points, adding six assists and three steals — his most impactful performance since joining San Antonio. Harrison Barnes chipped in 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting, including three critical threes in the fourth. Even Jeremy Sochan, who had been struggling with his shot all season, found his rhythm late, finishing with 14 points and 11 rebounds. For Memphis, Ziaire Williams led the way with 24 points, but his 10 turnovers and 3-of-12 shooting from three exposed the team’s lack of playmaking without Morant. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 20 points and 8 rebounds, but his 4 fouls in the final quarter forced him to the bench when the game was on the line.
Betting Lines vs. Reality: Why the Under Won
Pre-game, the total points line was set at 234.5 — a number that felt high given both teams’ injury situations. The Spurs were averaging just 112.1 points allowed per game at home, while the Grizzlies were scoring only 113.5 on the road. Action247.com’s prediction of an under 232.5 was spot-on. The final score? 212 total points — well below the line. Even Scores24.live’s more optimistic projection of a Grizzlies cover with an +8.5 spread missed the mark. The Grizzlies covered the +10.5 spread, but the game’s low pace and defensive intensity made the under the smarter play. The Spurs’ ability to slow the game down — averaging just 98.2 possessions per game, second-lowest in the league — neutralized Memphis’s speed advantage.
The Injury Factor: What Losing Wembanyama and Morant Really Means
It’s impossible to overstate how much these absences shaped the game. Without Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs lost their defensive anchor and primary rim protector. Their rebounding dropped by 7.3 per game, and opponents shot 52% at the rim without him — up from 44% with him. Yet, San Antonio still won. That’s a sign of coaching. Gregg Popovich’s system, built on discipline and spacing, compensated for the lack of size. For Memphis, losing Ja Morant isn’t just about scoring — it’s about identity. The Grizzlies are 76-93 without him since 2021. This season, they’ve averaged 15.3 fewer points per game and 6.1 fewer assists when he’s out. Tuesday’s loss was their sixth in seven games without him.
Historical Context: A Franchise Rivalry in Transition
This was the 63rd meeting between the Spurs and Grizzlies since 1999. The home team has won 33 of those games. But the dynamic is shifting. In the last five matchups, the Grizzlies have won three — including a 121-114 overtime win in Memphis last January. Still, San Antonio has dominated the series at home, winning 11 of the last 14 games at Frost Bank Center. What’s notable this season is how both franchises are in flux. The Spurs are rebuilding around Fox and Barnes, while Memphis is trying to survive without their engine. The old guard — Duncan, Ginóbili, Parker — is long gone. But the rivalry still carries weight.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
San Antonio faces the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday — a game that could solidify their spot in the Western Conference’s top six. They’re now 5-1 at home, and their defense is trending upward. For Memphis, the schedule doesn’t get easier. They travel to Dallas on Thursday, then to Phoenix on Sunday — both teams with top-five defenses. Without Morant, their margin for error is razor-thin. The silver lining? They’ve covered the spread in six of their last seven road games. That resilience might keep them in playoff contention longer than expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the Grizzlies cover the spread in this game?
Yes. The Grizzlies were +10.5 point underdogs and lost by only 10 points (111-101), meaning they covered the spread. However, the total points (212) fell well below the 234.5 over/under line, making the under the winning bet. Their ability to stay close despite missing Ja Morant highlights their resilience, but also their offensive limitations.
Why did the Spurs win despite being without Victor Wembanyama?
San Antonio’s win came from disciplined team defense, strong guard play from De'Aaron Fox, and timely shooting from Harrison Barnes. Coach Gregg Popovich adjusted his lineup to emphasize spacing and ball movement, compensating for the lack of interior presence. The Spurs held Memphis to 37% shooting in the fourth quarter and forced 18 turnovers — their best defensive performance of the season.
How has the absence of Ja Morant affected the Grizzlies’ performance?
Since Morant’s injury, the Grizzlies have averaged 15.3 fewer points and 6.1 fewer assists per game. Their offensive rating has dropped to 108.7 (down from 117.1 with him), and they’ve lost 7 of their last 8 games without him. Without his playmaking, the offense becomes stagnant, and Ziaire Williams and Jaren Jackson Jr. are forced into roles they’re not equipped to handle consistently.
Is this win a sign the Spurs are turning their season around?
It’s a promising sign. The Spurs are now 10-4 and have won five of their last six games. Their defense has improved significantly since November 1, and Fox is playing at an All-Star level. While they’re not a top-tier contender yet, their ability to win without Wembanyama suggests they’ve built a deeper, more adaptable roster than expected. A playoff push is still possible if they stay healthy.
What does this game reveal about the Spurs-Grizzlies rivalry today?
The rivalry is no longer defined by dominance — it’s now about resilience. The Spurs are transitioning from a legacy of championships to a new identity built on coaching and defense. The Grizzlies are fighting to stay relevant without their star. Both teams are rebuilding, but in different ways. This game showed that even without superstars, the history and intensity between them still matter.
What’s the most surprising stat from this game?
The most surprising stat? The Grizzlies scored 40 points in the third quarter — their highest of the season — yet still lost. That’s a sign of poor end-game execution. They couldn’t sustain momentum, and their bench scored just 18 points total. Meanwhile, San Antonio’s starters played 36+ minutes each and still managed to close strong. That’s veteran poise.
