On a chilly Tuesday night at FedExForum, the Memphis Grizzlies delivered a performance that snapped their four-game losing streak and sent a jolt of excitement through their fanbase. Facing the San Antonio Spurs, who came in riding a four-game road win streak and boasting an impressive 25-10 record, the Grizzlies were widely seen as underdogs. Yet, against the odds and the predictions of most analysts, Memphis edged out a dramatic 106-105 victory, thanks to clutch plays in the waning seconds and a gritty team effort.
Coming into the matchup, the Grizzlies were 15-20 and searching for answers after a string of tough losses. The Spurs, on the other hand, were favored by as many as seven and a half points according to the latest odds, with most sportsbooks putting San Antonio’s moneyline at -241 or -250. The over/under hovered around 239 points, a nod to both teams’ offensive prowess—San Antonio was the NBA’s fourth-ranked scoring team at 119.7 points per game, while Memphis wasn’t far behind at 116 points per game. But with injuries plaguing both rosters, the outcome was anything but certain.
For the Grizzlies, the injury list was daunting. Ja Morant, their electrifying star guard, was out with a right calf contusion. Cedric Coward, Brandon Clarke, Zach Edey, Ty Jerome, John Konchar, and Scotty Pippen Jr. were all sidelined. Vince Williams Jr., however, made his much-anticipated return after missing eight games due to left patellar tendinitis. The Spurs weren’t at full strength either, missing Devin Vassell to a thigh injury, though they welcomed back Victor Wembanyama—albeit on a minutes restriction after his own knee troubles.
The first half saw both squads struggle to find offensive rhythm. Memphis shot just 33.3%, while San Antonio managed only 35.2%. It was a grind, with neither team able to pull away. At halftime, the Spurs held a modest 54-46 lead, seemingly in control and living up to their favorite status. But the third quarter flipped the script dramatically.
Memphis erupted for 36 points in the third, fueled largely by the hot hands of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Vince Williams Jr. Both players knocked down four three-pointers apiece, igniting the crowd and shifting momentum. Williams Jr.’s return was especially poignant, as his energy and shooting provided a much-needed lift. According to The Commercial Appeal’s Damichael Cole, “Vince Williams Jr. made his return after missing the last eight games due to left patellar tendinitis,” and his presence was immediately felt on both ends of the floor.
With Ja Morant and Cedric Coward unavailable, head coach Taylor Jenkins turned to GG Jackson and Cam Spencer to fill the void. GG Jackson started in Coward’s place, finishing with two points, while Spencer stepped into Morant’s shoes and delivered under pressure. Late in the fourth quarter, with Memphis trailing by four, Spencer buried two crucial baskets to swing the lead back to the Grizzlies by a single point. “Spencer knocked down two key baskets to give Memphis a one-point lead,” reported The Commercial Appeal, highlighting his composure in the clutch.
But the drama was far from over. As the clock ticked down and the Spurs looked to reclaim the advantage, DeAaron Fox—one of San Antonio’s most dynamic guards—drove hard to the rim. In a moment that will be replayed for days, Santi Aldama swooped in from behind to swat Fox’s layup attempt, sealing the 106-105 win for Memphis. “Santi Aldama made a crucial block on DeAaron Fox late in the fourth quarter to seal the win for Memphis,” wrote Damichael Cole, capturing the pivotal play that ended San Antonio’s hopes.
Victor Wembanyama, returning from his brief injury layoff, led the Spurs with a game-high 30 points. Despite playing on a minutes restriction and coming off the bench, the towering rookie made his presence known on both ends. Yet, his efforts weren’t quite enough to push San Antonio over the line. The Spurs, who had won 68.2% of games when favored on the moneyline this season and entered the night having outscored opponents by an average of 5.5 points per game, simply couldn’t find that extra gear in the final moments.
For Memphis, the win was a collective effort. Cam Spencer and Jaren Jackson Jr. each finished with 21 points, with the latter’s long-range shooting providing a steady offensive anchor. Vince Williams Jr., in his return, also played a vital role, especially during the third-quarter surge. The Grizzlies’ ability to overcome their injury woes and rally from a halftime deficit spoke volumes about the team’s resilience and depth.
On the flip side, San Antonio’s defeat drops them to 25-11 and puts a damper on their recent road success. The Spurs’ defense, ranked eighth in the league at 114.2 points allowed per game, couldn’t quite contain Memphis when it mattered most. And while their offense—averaging nearly 120 points per contest—was led admirably by Wembanyama, the supporting cast struggled to finish the job with the game on the line.
Looking ahead, the Grizzlies will try to build on this momentum as they prepare to host the Phoenix Suns on January 7 at 7 p.m. ET, with the game airing on FanDuel Sports Network. Memphis has already won the only previous meeting between the two teams this season, and with their core group slowly returning to health, there’s renewed optimism in the Bluff City.
For the Spurs, the focus will shift to regrouping and getting healthy, especially as they look to maintain their position near the top of the Western Conference standings. With Victor Wembanyama back in the lineup, albeit not yet at full strength, San Antonio still has plenty of firepower and ambition for the remainder of the campaign.
As the dust settles on a thrilling night in Memphis, one thing is clear—the Grizzlies, battered and shorthanded, found a way to stand tall when it mattered most. With key contributions up and down the roster and a game-saving block from Santi Aldama, Memphis sent a message that they’re not ready to fade away just yet. The Spurs, meanwhile, will have to wait for another night to extend their road dominance. For now, the city of Memphis can savor a hard-fought and much-needed victory.
