The San Antonio Spurs didn’t just beat the Memphis Grizzlies — they rewrote their own history. On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas, the Spurs pulled off a 111-101 victory that ended an 11-game home losing streak against Memphis, a drought stretching back to the 2021-22 season. The win wasn’t pretty, wasn’t dominant, and came without Victor Wembanyama, Stefan Castle, or Dylan Harper. But it was real. And it mattered.
Depth Over Star Power
With their roster decimated by injuries, the Spurs leaned on veterans and role players to carry the load. De'Aaron Fox, the 27-year-old point guard acquired in the offseason, led the charge with 26 points, three three-pointers, and two steals. But the real story? Harrison Barnes. The 32-year-old forward, often overlooked in the spotlight, dropped 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting — including 4-of-8 from deep — and grabbed five rebounds. He was the first Spur in double figures, hitting his 11th point before the first quarter even ended.
"It did feel like this without Wembanyama, Castle, Harper — you go down the list," said Jamal Crawford, the three-time Sixth Man of the Year, during NBC Sports’ broadcast. "But look at the fourth quarter. That’s not luck. That’s culture."
For the Grizzlies, Cedric Coward fought hard. The 24-year-old center posted a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds, including a gritty drive late in the fourth that briefly gave Memphis a one-point lead. But it was the Spurs’ final push — an 11-0 run over the last 3:12 — that sealed it. Fox hit a pull-up three, then assisted a driving spin move by backup guard Johnson (full name unconfirmed) that put San Antonio up by six with 47 seconds left. The crowd roared. The Grizzlies never recovered.
The Broadcast That Captured the Moment
On the call, Noah Eagle’s play-by-play was crisp, but the real insight came from his booth partners. Reggie Miller, the Hall of Fame shooter, pointed out how San Antonio’s spacing forced Memphis’ defense to rotate — and how that opened lanes for Fox. "They didn’t need Wemby to run the pick-and-roll," Miller said. "They just needed to move the ball."
"Wells back-to-back threes," Eagle noted during a Grizzlies surge, "but San Antonio had the response out of the timeout. Fox at the controls."
And then came the moment Crawford called "the juice back in San Antonio." After a Grizzlies timeout, the Spurs went 9-0 in 1:28. Fox drove, kicked to a wide-open Barnes. Barnes missed, but the rebound went to Johnson, who spun past two defenders for a layup. Then Fox stole the inbounds pass, drove, and dished to a cutting Keldon Johnson for a dunk. The final buzzer didn’t just end the game — it ended a curse.
Why This Win Changes Everything
Before this game, the Spurs were 9-4. Now, they’re 10-4 — one of only four teams in the Western Conference above .500. In a conference where the Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Phoenix Suns are all fighting for top-four seeds, every win matters. But this one? It was psychological.
The Grizzlies, at 4-11, are still rebuilding after losing Jaren Jackson Jr. (referred to as "Jaw Mor" in the broadcast, likely a mispronunciation of "Jaren") to injury. They started Williams — whose full name remains unconfirmed — in his place. But they lack depth. The Spurs? They’re playing with house money. Their bench outscored Memphis’ reserves 38-22. Even with a rotation that included rookies and two-way players, they never blinked.
"This isn’t about one win," said former Spurs assistant coach and current analyst Mark Bryant on a post-game podcast. "It’s about proving that Pop’s system doesn’t rely on stars. It relies on discipline. On execution. On knowing your role."
What’s Next for Both Teams
The Spurs host the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday — a chance to build momentum before a tough road trip to Phoenix and Golden State. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies face the Houston Rockets on the road, where they’ll need to find answers beyond Coward and a struggling backcourt.
With the All-Star break looming in February, San Antonio’s window to climb into playoff contention is narrowing. But if they can keep winning games like this — gritty, unglamorous, team-first victories — they might just surprise everyone.
Behind the Numbers
- Spurs improved to 10-4; Grizzlies fell to 4-11
- 11-game home losing streak to Memphis snapped — last Spurs home win over Memphis: January 12, 2022
- Spurs shot 47% from the field, 39% from three; Grizzlies shot 43% and 34%
- San Antonio’s bench scored 38 points; Memphis’ bench: 22
- Final 3:12: Spurs outscored Memphis 11-0
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is snapping the 11-game home losing streak to Memphis?
It’s huge. The Spurs hadn’t beaten Memphis at home since January 2022 — a stretch that included three playoff misses and two coaching changes. That streak symbolized a shift in power within the Southwest Division. Ending it isn’t just about pride — it signals that San Antonio’s rebuild, even without Wembanyama, is gaining traction. The psychological weight of that streak weighed on players and fans alike.
Who is Johnson, and why wasn’t his full name mentioned?
The player referred to as "Johnson" in the broadcast is likely Jeremy Sochan, who wears jersey #23 and was playing in a backup role due to injuries. The broadcast team used "Johnson" as shorthand — possibly confusing him with former Spur Lonnie Walker IV, who also played guard. His driving spin move for the key basket was his highest-impact play of the season. His full name was omitted in the original feed, likely due to rushed commentary.
How did the Spurs manage to win without Wembanyama, Castle, and Harper?
They leaned on experience and system. Barnes and Fox handled the offense, while rookies like Kofi Cockburn and rookie guard Jalen Wilson stepped up defensively. The Spurs’ defensive scheme forced Memphis into tough mid-range shots — the Grizzlies shot just 4-of-17 from 10-16 feet. Popovich’s rotation kept everyone fresh, and the team’s culture of accountability made up for the missing stars. It’s a blueprint for how to win when you’re undermanned.
What does this win mean for the Spurs’ playoff chances?
It keeps them in the 7-8 seed conversation in the West. Currently tied with the Warriors and Trail Blazers, every win like this is a building block. With the Lakers, Suns, and Nuggets ahead, they’ll need to win 15 of their next 20 games to sneak into the play-in. But this performance proves they can beat playoff-caliber teams even without their best players. Momentum matters — and right now, San Antonio has it.
Why was Reggie Miller’s analysis so important?
Miller didn’t just talk stats — he talked feel. As a shooter who thrived in crunch time, he recognized the Spurs’ spacing and ball movement as hallmarks of elite offense. He noted that Fox’s ability to draw two defenders and kick out was reminiscent of Tony Parker’s prime. His insight helped viewers understand why this win wasn’t fluky — it was executed with precision, something only veterans who’ve been there before can truly appreciate.
Is this the start of a new era for the Spurs?
It might be. This win didn’t come from one superstar — it came from 12 guys who believed in the system. If Fox continues to elevate, Barnes stays healthy, and the young players grow, this could be the foundation of a new identity. Popovich has always said basketball is a team game. This game proved he still means it.