Spurs defeat Grizzlies 111-101

De’Aaron Fox scored 26 points, Harrison Barnes delivered a clutch fourth-quarter burst, and the San Antonio Spurs battled through another night of injuries to top the Memphis Grizzlies 111–101 on Tuesday.

With both teams missing their franchise stars, Victor Wembanyama sidelined for the Spurs and Ja Morant out for Memphis, it was Barnes who took over late. The veteran forward finished with 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including a personal 7–0 run in the final minute. His running hook, short floater, and dagger three put San Antonio up 107–101 with 53.2 seconds left, sealing the Spurs’ second straight win and their fifth in seven games.

Keldon Johnson added 18 points for San Antonio, which was also without guards Dylan Harper (left calf strain) and Stephon Castle (left hip flexor strain). Both Wembanyama and Castle are expected to miss 2–3 weeks.

Memphis, now on a five-game skid, was led by Cedric Coward’s 19 points and Jaren Jackson Jr.’s 18. Without Wembanyama patrolling the paint, the Grizzlies dominated the glass 59–38 and posted a striking 22–2 edge in second-chance points, but couldn’t close the deal in the fourth, where the Spurs outscored them 25–14.

The night began in disaster for San Antonio, as Memphis opened on an 8–0 run that forced a timeout less than 90 seconds in. The Spurs missed 10 of their first 12 shots before settling in and slowly seizing control.

The Spurs improved to 18–31 without Wembanyama, while the Grizzlies fell to 76–93 in games Morant has missed.

Up Next:

*Grizzlies: Host Sacramento on Thursday.

Spurs: Host Atlanta on Thursday.*