The Grizzlies had every reason to leave San Antonio with a win, especially with the Spurs missing All-Star center Victor Wembanyama. Memphis is still navigating life without Ja Morant, but a game that felt within reach for most of the night slipped away late, and Memphis dropped its fifth straight in a 111-101 loss, falling to 4-11 on the season. The loss also ended a run that showcased Memphis’ dominance in San Antonio. Before Tuesday night, the Grizzlies had won 11 straight on the Spurs’ home floor, a streak that stretched all the way back to early 2019.
For three quarters, the Grizzlies kept themselves in position to steal one on the road. Rookie Cedric Coward continued to impress with 19 points and 11 rebounds, showing maturity in big moments. Vince Williams Jr., starting at point guard, nearly logged a triple-double with 14 points, nine assists, nine rebounds, and just one turnover, offering stability and playmaking throughout the night.
Jaren Jackson Jr. finished with 18 points, six rebounds, and three assists, but he did not shy away from holding himself accountable afterward. He said his performance, particularly in the fourth quarter, was far below the standard he expects. Jackson admitted he never found the rhythm the team needed late and that his missed shots and lack of impact hurt Memphis’ chances of closing the game.
“I mean, I was horribly abysmal tonight. I needed way more in the fourth quarter. That just was not enough for me,” Jackson said. He was even more blunt when reflecting on the final frame: “Oh, I was just shitty. I was real bad in the fourth. I did not have it. I probably missed every shot I took. I just was not doing what I needed to be doing.”
Zach Edey battled on the interior and gave Memphis valuable minutes with eight points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks.
But the fourth quarter decided everything. San Antonio outscored Memphis 25-14 and used an 11-0 run in the final frame to seal the game. The Grizzlies struggled to generate consistent offense, the ball movement stalled, and the defensive energy faded at the exact moment the Spurs found their rhythm.
On a night when the Spurs were without their biggest star and Memphis got meaningful contributions from young players, the inability to close once again defined the outcome. In a season where every bit of momentum matters, the Grizzlies are still searching for the spark that can steady them.
