The Memphis Grizzlies kicked off the new year by snapping a three-game losing streak, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 106-98 on Tuesday night. The victory was highlighted by a fourth-quarter dunk by Ja Morant over Spurs' rookie Victor Wembanyama, which brought the home crowd to its feet. Morant led the Grizzlies with 26 points and 10 assists, while Desmond Bane added another 24 points, according to KSAT.
On the Spurs' side, Wembanyama had an impactful night with 20 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks but ultimately fell short with the Grizzlies' late-game push. The Spurs, holding a record of 5-28, continue to struggle this season, while Memphis works to find a balance in their rotation since Morant's return from suspension. The Grizzlies' Santi Aldama contributed a double-double with 13 points, and 11 rebounds, contributing to the team's refreshed momentum.
Both teams grappled with lackluster shooting in the first half, which saw them both connecting at less than 40% from the field. Memphis managed to improve their percentage in the third quarter, which paved their way to a substantial lead, reported by KSAT. Despite a strong defensive presence by Wembanyama, who leads the NBA in blocked shots, the Spurs could not capitalize on turnovers or make the necessary shots down the stretch to keep pace with the Grizzlies.
Post-game comments reflected a mix of optimism and realism from both sides. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich praised his team's attitude, but acknowledged that the turnover count of 16 hurt the team's chances. "You're there, you're playing a pretty good game. We had a lot of guys who played well, but we have to be sharper," Popovich told KENS 5. Meanwhile, Morant dismissed any special intent in his highlighted play against Wembanyama, stating, "The moment was just like any other moment for me when somebody is guarding me," in an interview obtained by KSAT.
The Spurs now look towards their next challenge as they host the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night, hoping to rally from their latest loss and build some momentum as they continue to navigate through a season filled with learning curves. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, hope this victory can spark more consistent wins in the Western Conference.
