The San Antonio Spurs pulled off a gritty 111-101 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night, November 18, 2025, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio — a win that felt less like a statement and more like a survival story. With All-Star center Victor Wembanyama sidelined and the Grizzlies missing their engine, Ja Morant, the game became a test of character. And in the final 12 minutes, the Spurs answered with a 25-14 run that turned a sluggish start into a statement win. It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t dominant. But it was enough.
A Slow Start That Could Have Been Fatal
The Grizzlies opened the game on an 8-0 run, forcing Spurs coach Mitch Johnson to call timeout just 89 seconds in. San Antonio shot a dismal 17% from the field in the opening minutes, missing 10 of their first 12 attempts. Memphis Grizzlies fed off the energy, dominating the boards with 59 total rebounds — 14 of them offensive — and turning those into 22 second-chance points. By halftime, the Grizzlies led 47-49, and the Spurs looked out of rhythm. The numbers told a grim story: without Wembanyama, the Spurs were 18-31 this season. Without Morant, Memphis was 76-93. Two teams in transition, both missing their brightest stars.The Turning Point: Barnes and the Fourth Quarter
Then came the fourth quarter. And with it, Harrison Barnes. The veteran forward, who’d been quiet through three quarters, erupted. With the game tied at 100 and 1:15 left, Barnes hit a running hook, followed by a nine-foot floater, then a deep three-pointer — a seven-point burst that pushed the Spurs ahead 107-101. His 23 points weren’t flashy, but they were surgical. Meanwhile, De'Aaron Fox finished with 26, including 11 in the third, when San Antonio outscored Memphis 45-40 to claw back into the game. ESPN’s recap noted Fox shot 44% from the floor, and the Spurs’ bench, led by rookie Dylan Harper and veteran Luke Kornet, provided just enough spark to offset Memphis’s physical advantage.A Franchise in Transition
This wasn’t just another win. It was the first full season under a new regime. After 29 seasons as head coach, Gregg Popovich stepped into the role of President of Basketball Operations, handing the reins to Johnson, the 19th head coach in franchise history. The move wasn’t just about succession — it was about evolution. The Spurs aren’t rebuilding; they’re redefining. Wembanyama, still just 21, is the future. Fox, acquired in a blockbuster trade last summer, is the present. And players like Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, and 2025 Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle are the bridge.The Grizzlies, meanwhile, continue to navigate life without Morant — a reality that’s becoming less of a temporary setback and more of a long-term challenge. Their rebounding dominance (59-38) masked a troubling lack of offensive execution down the stretch. They missed 11 of their final 15 shots. That’s not just bad luck. That’s a team still searching for identity.
What’s Next? The Rivalry Rekindles
The next chapter arrives on December 2, 2025, at 7:00 PM CT — another home game at the Frost Bank Center. Ticketmaster’s official schedule lists tickets still available, with prices starting at $20.62 for the March 25, 2026, rematch in Memphis. The Spurs’ home crowd, as one fan noted in a November 12 review, remains electric: “Great seats, fun crowd, easy entrance, and the Spurs win.” That last part? Still true. Even when they’re not at their best.The Bigger Picture: What This Win Means
For San Antonio, this victory isn’t about the standings. It’s about proving they can win without their most dominant player. Wembanyama’s absence forced the Spurs to play smarter, faster, more collectively. Fox carried the offense. Barnes delivered the dagger. The bench held the line. That’s the kind of resilience a franchise needs as it moves beyond its golden era. And for Memphis? It’s another reminder: without Morant, they’re a team that can dominate the glass but can’t close the deal. Their 76-93 record without him tells the story better than any stat line.Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Spurs win without Victor Wembanyama?
The Spurs relied on a balanced scoring attack led by De'Aaron Fox (26 points) and Harrison Barnes (23 points), with strong fourth-quarter execution. Bench players like Dylan Harper and Luke Kornet provided energy, while the defense tightened significantly in the final minutes, holding Memphis to just 14 points in the final quarter despite their rebounding edge. It was a team effort, not a star-driven performance.
Why is this game significant for the Spurs’ future?
This win marks one of the first major victories under new head coach Mitch Johnson and the first full season without Gregg Popovich on the bench. It proves San Antonio can win even when their franchise player is out — a crucial sign of depth and adaptability as they transition from a dynasty to a new generation centered around Wembanyama and Fox.
What’s the impact of Ja Morant’s absence on the Grizzlies?
Without Morant, Memphis struggles to create clean scoring opportunities in clutch moments. Despite dominating rebounding (59-38), they shot just 41% in the fourth quarter and missed 11 of their final 15 shots. Their 76-93 record without him shows a team that can control tempo but lacks the playmaking and leadership to close out tight games.
When is the next Spurs-Grizzlies matchup?
The next game is on December 2, 2025, at 7:00 PM CT at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. A rematch is scheduled for March 25, 2026, at FedExForum in Memphis, with tickets starting at $20.62. Both games will be critical in determining how each team performs without their star guards.
How has the Spurs’ coaching change affected their style of play?
Under Mitch Johnson, the Spurs are playing faster and more aggressively in transition, with less reliance on half-court isolation. They’re taking more threes and moving the ball quicker than under Popovich’s methodical system. Early results show improved offensive efficiency, even without Wembanyama — a sign Johnson is successfully modernizing the team’s approach.
Is the Frost Bank Center still a tough place to play for visiting teams?
Absolutely. Fans gave the arena a perfect 5/5 rating on Ticketmaster just days before this game, praising the crowd energy and ease of access. The Spurs are 12-4 at home this season, and despite their overall record without Wembanyama, the arena’s atmosphere continues to be a tangible home-court advantage — especially in close fourth quarters.
