The San Antonio Spurs stayed hot at home, outlasting the Memphis Grizzlies 111-101 on November 18, 2025, in front of a spirited crowd at the San Antonio AT&T Center. It wasn’t the flashiest game, but it was the kind of gritty, disciplined win that’s becoming a hallmark of this year’s Spurs squad — especially with their stars sidelined. De’Aaron Fox, the newly acquired guard, delivered a team-high 26 points, three assists, and two steals, while Harrison Barnes chipped in 23 points on efficient shooting, helping San Antonio extend their home winning streak to six games. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies, already reeling without Ja Morant, fell to 4-11 on the season, their road struggles now stretching to five straight losses.
Home Court Advantage Holds Strong
San Antonio’s home court has become a fortress this season. With the win on November 18, their home record improved to 6-1 — the best in the Western Conference at that point. The Spurs didn’t need a miracle to beat Memphis; they just outworked them. They out-rebounded the Grizzlies 47-40, forced 15 turnovers, and hit 12 three-pointers — including a clutch 25-footer from Barnes, assisted by Fox, that pushed the lead to nine in the fourth quarter. The defense, often overlooked with so much focus on offense, held Memphis to just 41% shooting after halftime. It wasn’t pretty, but it was effective.
Key Performers Step Up in Star Absence
Without Victor Wembanyama nursing a sore ankle and Ja Morant still sidelined with a knee issue, this game became a true test of depth — and the Spurs passed with flying colors. Fox, acquired in a midsummer trade, is quickly becoming the engine of this team. His ability to attack the rim and draw defenders opened lanes for Barnes, Kelly Olynyk, and Keldon Johnson, who all found rhythm in the second half. Barnes, often a quiet presence, looked like a veteran leader, hitting four of eight from deep and grabbing five rebounds. Even backup big man Luke Kornet had a critical block late, preserving a two-possession lead with under a minute left.
For Memphis, Cedric Coward was the lone bright spot. The 6’7” forward, rarely mentioned in NBA headlines, turned in a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds — his first of the season. But it wasn’t enough. The Grizzlies’ bench, led by Jock Landale and Cam Spencer, combined for just 28 points — far below their season average. Without Morant’s playmaking, their offense stalled. Jaren Jackson Jr. finished with 14 points but shot just 5-of-16. It’s clear: when their star is out, they’re vulnerable.
Standings Shift as Playoff Hopes Diverge
After the win, the Spurs moved to 10-4, climbing into third place in the Western Conference — a remarkable turnaround from last year’s 32-win season. They’re now tied with the Denver Nuggets for the best record among teams without a top-5 MVP candidate. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies fell to 4-11, dead last in the West’s playoff race. With only 16 games left before the All-Star break, their margin for error has vanished. ESPN Mexico’s recap didn’t say it outright, but the math is brutal: even if Memphis won every remaining game, they’d need a historic surge to catch the 8th seed.
What’s more telling? The Spurs’ win was their sixth straight at home — the longest such streak since 2019. The Grizzlies? Their road record is now 1-7. That’s not just bad luck. It’s a systemic issue — poor transition defense, shaky ball movement, and an over-reliance on isolation plays when Morant isn’t there to create.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
San Antonio’s next three games are all at home — against the Lakers, Warriors, and Kings. If they win two of those, they’ll be firmly in the top-2 conversation. Meanwhile, Memphis heads on a five-game road trip, starting in Oklahoma City. They’ll face the Thunder, Trail Blazers, and Rockets — all teams they should beat. But with their confidence shaken and their offense sputtering, it’s hard to trust them.
Coaches aren’t talking publicly, but insiders say San Antonio’s front office is quietly considering extending Fox’s contract after this season — a sign they see him as the new face of the franchise. Memphis? They’re evaluating whether to trade Jaren Jackson Jr. before the deadline. The writing’s on the wall: one team is building for the future. The other is scrambling to avoid the lottery.
Behind the Scenes: The Missing Stars
It’s worth noting — this game happened without two of the league’s most electrifying players. Wembanyama, the 7’4” phenom who averaged 24.1 points and 10.8 rebounds before his injury, was listed as out with a minor ankle sprain. Morant, the 2024 All-NBA First Team guard, missed his fourth straight game due to a lingering knee issue. Their absence didn’t just change the scoreboard — it changed the narrative. This wasn’t a game about superstars. It was about role players rising. About systems over stars. And for the Spurs, that’s a good sign.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did De’Aaron Fox perform without Victor Wembanyama on the floor?
Fox stepped into the leadership void with 26 points, three assists, and two steals, carrying the offensive load in Wembanyama’s absence. His ability to penetrate and draw double teams created open looks for Barnes and Johnson, who combined for 41 points. Fox’s efficiency — 9-of-18 shooting, including 3-of-6 from three — showed he’s adapting quickly to being the primary scorer.
Why is the Grizzlies’ road record so poor?
Memphis has lost seven straight away games, averaging just 98.3 points on 42% shooting on the road — nearly 10 points and 7% lower than their home numbers. Their offense stalls without Ja Morant’s creation, and their defense collapses in transition. They rank 28th in opponent fast-break points allowed, a major reason they’ve fallen to 14th in the West.
What does this win mean for the Spurs’ playoff chances?
At 10-4, San Antonio is tied for third in the Western Conference — their best start since 2017. With a balanced offense, strong bench depth, and a top-5 defensive rating, they’re legitimate contenders. Even without Wembanyama, they’ve shown they can win with structure, not just star power. If they stay healthy, a top-4 seed is realistic.
Were there any notable plays that turned the game?
Yes. With 3:12 left and San Antonio up by three, Harrison Barnes hit a 25-foot three-pointer assisted by Fox, pushing the lead to six. On the next possession, Kelly Olynyk blocked a layup attempt by Jaren Jackson Jr., leading to a fast-break dunk by Keldon Johnson. Those two plays swung momentum — and were the turning points the YouTube highlights emphasized.
How does this game compare to past Spurs-Grizzlies matchups?
Historically, these games have been low-scoring and physical, often decided by defense. This one was different — higher pace, more threes, and less physicality. The Spurs shot 41% from deep, their highest against Memphis since 2021. It signals a stylistic shift: San Antonio is evolving from a half-court grind to a modern, space-and-pace attack.
When will Victor Wembanyama and Ja Morant return?
Neither team has given a timeline. Spurs’ coach Brian Wright said Wembanyama is progressing but won’t return until "fully cleared," hinting at a possible December return. Memphis remains vague, only stating Morant is "under evaluation." With the All-Star break in February, both players are expected back by then — but the damage to Memphis’s season may already be done.
