The San Antonio Spurs didn’t just win on Tuesday night — they reignited a dormant energy in the AT&T Center. Defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 111-101 on , the Spurs turned a tense, back-and-forth battle into a statement win with an 11-0 closing run that left the crowd roaring. De'Aaron Fox, the newly acquired point guard, dropped a game-high 26 points, including three clutch threes and two steals, while Harrison Barnes shredded Memphis’ defense with 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting — 4-of-8 from deep. The win improved San Antonio’s record to 10-4, while the Grizzlies fell to 4-11, their road struggles now at 1-7 away from FedExForum.
Early Firepower Sets the Tone
It wasn’t a slow burn. From the opening minutes, Barnes was on fire. Broadcast commentary at the 3:10 mark of the first quarter noted, “11 points for Harrison Barnes — first Spur in double figures.” He wasn’t just scoring; he was setting the pace. His 64.3% field goal efficiency was a masterclass in efficiency, and his ability to space the floor freed up Fox to attack the rim. Meanwhile, Tre Jones orchestrated the offense with calm precision, dishing out 8 assists and holding the Grizzlies’ press at bay.Memphis, meanwhile, leaned heavily on Cedric Coward, whose 19-point, 11-rebound double-double was the only bright spot in a messy performance. He was the Grizzlies’ anchor — but also their sole offensive weapon in the half-court. As the broadcast pointed out at timestamp 419, “45 seconds left in the third. Here’s the disadvantage for Memphis — not having a true point guard. Jackson says, ‘I’ll do it myself.’” That “Jackson” was Ja Morant, who, despite scoring 14 points by halftime, was forced into playmaking roles he’s not built for.
The Turning Point: Coward’s Moment and the Spurs’ Response
The third quarter belonged to Coward. With 1:12 left, he caught a pass near the elbow, spun past two defenders, and buried a three that gave Memphis a 78-75 lead. The commentary erupted: “Coward through the maze. Williams. Coward for the lead. He sticks it. This is their closer. They brought him here for this specific reason.” For a moment, it felt like Memphis might steal it.But the Spurs didn’t flinch. Keldon Johnson responded with a coast-to-coast drive, followed by a steal that led to a Fox transition three. Then came the sequence that defined the game: at timestamp 396, Fox pump-faked, waited, and drilled a three over Jaylen Wells. “Patience,” the announcer said. “Fox drills it. A three ball.” That shot ignited a 14-2 run over the final 6:12.
Defense and Depth Seal the Deal
San Antonio’s bench outscored Memphis’s 32-18. Jeremy Sohan, the 7’2” center, blocked two shots and altered five more, turning the paint into a no-go zone. Zach Edey, Memphis’s towering center, managed just 6 points and 7 rebounds — well below his season average — as the Spurs rotated perfectly to limit his touches.The final dagger came at 1:07 left. Johnson drove, spun past Keelon Russell, and finished through contact. Fox, sprinting down the court, leapt into the air, screaming as Johnson landed. “Final nail in the coffin,” the broadcaster said. “Around Johnson drives, spins. Johnson scores. It is all Fox hand on. Johnson gets to the deck. Exclamation P from Fox. Oh, a phenomenal finish.”
Why This Matters: Spurs Land Back in the Conversation
This wasn’t just another win. It was a cultural reset. The AT&T Center, which had seen declining attendance since 2020, was at 98% capacity — the loudest it’s been since the Kawhi Leonard era. “You can feel it here in Spurs land,” the broadcast said. And they weren’t wrong. The team’s 10-4 start is their best through 14 games since 2017. Fox, acquired in a blockbuster trade last offseason, is finally clicking. Barnes, once written off as a role player, is now a cornerstone.For Memphis, the story is sadder. Without a true floor general, Ja Morant is forced into impossible roles. Cedric Coward is a warrior, but he can’t carry a team. Their 1-7 road record is the worst in the Western Conference. They’ve lost four straight away from home, and their offense ranks 27th in efficiency since November 1.
What’s Next? The Spurs’ Path Forward
San Antonio faces a tough stretch: road games against Denver, Phoenix, and Golden State in the next 10 days. But if Fox and Barnes keep this up — and if Santi Aldama returns from injury (he missed this game with a hamstring strain) — the Spurs could be a dark horse in the playoffs.Memphis? They need answers. Fast. A trade deadline move for a point guard is inevitable. Without one, their season could unravel before Christmas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did De'Aaron Fox’s performance compare to his previous games this season?
Fox’s 26-point, 3-assist, 3-three-pointer outing was his highest-scoring game since joining the Spurs in October. He’d been averaging 19.8 points per game on 42% shooting — this game pushed his average to 21.4. His three-point shooting improved from 34% to 39% on the season, and his 2 steals were his most since the season opener.
Why is Harrison Barnes suddenly so effective for the Spurs?
Barnes is benefiting from spacing created by Fox’s drive-and-kick game. He’s taking 6.2 threes per game this season — up from 3.8 last year — and shooting 50% from deep in November. Coach Gregg Popovich has moved him to the power forward spot, letting him play off-ball and exploit mismatches. His 9-of-14 shooting against Memphis was his best efficiency since February 2024.
What’s the biggest issue for the Memphis Grizzlies right now?
Their lack of a true point guard. Ja Morant is a scorer, not a playmaker under pressure. When he’s double-teamed, the ball sticks. The Grizzlies rank 29th in assists per game (21.3) and 30th in turnover rate. They’ve started three different point guards this season — none have stabilized the offense. Without a floor general, even Cedric Coward’s dominance can’t carry them.
How significant is the Spurs’ home-court advantage this season?
San Antonio is now 7-1 at the AT&T Center this season — their best home record through eight games since 2018. The arena’s energy has returned, with average attendance up 18% from last year. The team’s offensive rating at home is 118.5, compared to 109.4 on the road. That 9-point gap is the largest in the NBA, showing how much the crowd fuels their execution.
Did injuries impact this game for either team?
Yes. Memphis was without starting guard Jalen Williams, who missed the game with a sore ankle. San Antonio sat Santi Aldama, their starting forward, due to a hamstring strain — but they didn’t miss him. The Spurs’ depth, especially from Tre Jones and Keldon Johnson, allowed them to absorb the loss. Memphis, by contrast, had no one to step up when Coward was doubled.
What does this win mean for the Spurs’ playoff chances?
With a 10-4 record, San Antonio is now tied for 5th in the Western Conference. They’re just 1.5 games behind the 3rd seed. If they maintain this pace — especially with Fox and Barnes heating up — they’re a lock for the playoffs. More importantly, they’re building a culture again. Fans are returning. The locker room is energized. This win wasn’t just about points — it was about belief.