The San Antonio Spurs pulled off a gritty 111-101 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the Frost Bank Center — despite both teams playing without their franchise cornerstones. The Grizzlies were missing Ja Morant, their dynamic point guard, while the Spurs were without All-Star center Victor Wembanyama. Yet it was veteran De'Aaron Fox who stole the spotlight, dropping 26 points in his first full game since returning from a hamstring injury. The win improved San Antonio’s record to 9-4, while Memphis fell to 4-10 — a reminder that even without superstars, NBA games can still deliver drama, grit, and betting value.
Spurs Outlast Grizzlies in Fourth-Quarter Surge
San Antonio started cold — shooting just 17% from the field in the first quarter, missing 10 of their first 12 attempts. But they didn’t panic. Instead, they leaned on defense and composure. By the fourth quarter, they’d turned it around completely, outscoring Memphis 25-14 to seal the game. Harrison Barnes, who hadn’t been a focal point in pre-game projections, delivered the dagger: nine straight points in under a minute, capped by a running hook, a floater, and a clutch three-pointer that pushed the lead to six with 53 seconds left. Keldon Johnson added 18 points on 8-for-15 shooting, proving San Antonio’s depth was more than just a rumor.
Memphis, meanwhile, dominated the glass. They outrebounded the Spurs 59-38 — the biggest differential in the NBA this season — and turned those boards into 22 second-chance points. But they couldn’t close. Their guards struggled to create clean looks, and without Morant to break down defenses, their offense stalled in crunch time. Jaylen Wells, their primary perimeter threat, went 3-for-12 from deep, continuing a troubling trend: he’s gone Under in six of his last eight games.
Betting Lines Favored Fox Under 26.5 — And He Just Hit It
Pre-game betting markets had been unusually focused on one prop: De'Aaron Fox Under 26.5 points at -125. Analysts at Covers.com cited his shaky return: just five games back from injury, averaging 22 points on 37% three-point shooting. The logic? He was still finding rhythm. But Fox, ever the competitor, delivered exactly what the market expected — 26 points — barely clearing the line. It was a win for the bookmakers, but a testament to Fox’s resilience.
Other betting angles also held weight. The Over/Under was set at 233. The final combined score? 212. That’s 21 points under — the seventh time this season the Spurs’ game went Under. FOX Sports noted the teams average just 230.7 combined points per game — nearly 3 points below the line. And while the Spurs had hit the Over in six of their last six games, the Grizzlies had gone Under in 10 of their last 14. The market wasn’t wrong. It was just early to call it.
Behind the Numbers: Why This Win Matters
San Antonio’s 9-4 record without Wembanyama? It’s not a fluke. They’re 7-1 when scoring over 119.8 points — and they did it again Tuesday. Their defense ranks third in the league in points allowed (112.1), and they’ve held opponents under 100 points in four of their last six home games. The Spurs don’t need Wemby to be efficient. They just need structure. And under head coach Gregg Popovich, structure is their identity.
For Memphis, the story remains one of frustration. They’re 76-93 without Morant since 2021. Even with a 22-point advantage in second-chance points, they lost because they couldn’t convert those opportunities into efficient offense. Jaren Jackson Jr., their best scorer, managed just 18 points — below his season average of 17.9. The Spurs’ frontcourt defense, allowing just 40.3 points in the paint, neutralized him. Without Morant, their offensive identity is in question. And with a home game against the Sacramento Kings coming Thursday, time is running out to find answers.
What’s Next? A Crucial Stretch for Both Teams
San Antonio hosts the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday, looking to extend their home winning streak. They’re 4-3-1 against the spread this season — and they’ve covered in five of their last seven at home. Meanwhile, Memphis faces the Kings — a team that’s been explosive offensively but porous defensively. Can the Grizzlies finally turn their rebounding dominance into wins? Or will they keep losing close games because their offense stalls without their engine?
Historically, this rivalry has been tight. Since 2010, the teams have met 62 times — with San Antonio holding a slim 33-29 edge in wins. Their last meeting, on March 1, 2025, went to overtime: 130-128 Spurs, with Fox, Castle, and Vassell all scoring 20+. This time, it was Fox and Barnes who carried the load. And if Wembanyama’s return is still weeks away, expect more games like this — where role players rise, and betting lines become battlegrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did De'Aaron Fox perform after returning from injury?
Fox returned from a hamstring injury just 10 days before the game and played his first full contest on November 18, 2025. He scored 26 points — just above the 26.5-point betting line — while adding six assists. He’s averaged 22.0 PPG in his five games back, with four of those games exceeding 20 points. His shooting efficiency has improved, but he’s still adjusting to game rhythm, particularly on defense.
Why did the Spurs win despite being outrebounded by 21?
San Antonio’s defense and fourth-quarter execution offset Memphis’s rebounding edge. They held the Grizzlies to 38% shooting in the second half and forced 14 turnovers. The Spurs also shot 52% from the field overall and made 11 three-pointers — a key factor in overcoming the 22-2 second-chance point deficit. Their bench outscored Memphis’s reserves 34-19, proving depth matters more than size.
Is Ja Morant’s absence still hurting the Grizzlies’ chances?
Absolutely. Since Morant’s injury, Memphis has lost 12 of their last 14 games. His absence leaves them without a true playmaker who can create shots under pressure. Their offensive rating drops from 117.4 with him to 104.9 without — a 12% decline. Without him, they rely too much on isolation plays and contested jumpers, which explains their low fourth-quarter scoring.
What does this result mean for Spurs’ playoff chances without Wembanyama?
It’s a positive sign. San Antonio is 18-31 without Wembanyama since he entered the league, but they’re currently on a 5-1 run without him — their best stretch since 2022. Their defense is elite, and their bench is deeper than ever. If they can maintain top-10 defense and get consistent scoring from Fox, Barnes, and Johnson, they’re still in contention for the 6th or 7th seed in the West — even without their star.
Why did the Over/Under of 233.5 go Under?
Despite both teams averaging over 110 points per game, the matchup came in at 212 total points — 21.5 under the line. The Spurs’ defense tightened in the second half, and Memphis struggled to generate clean looks without Morant. Historically, this series averages 230.7 points — just under the line. The market overestimated offensive output because of past high-scoring games, but this time, defense won.
What’s the significance of Harrison Barnes’ late-game performance?
Barnes, 33, is a veteran role player who’s rarely the main option. But his nine straight points — including a contested three-pointer with under a minute left — showed why San Antonio values him. He’s shooting 41% from deep this season and has made 12 clutch threes in the final 30 seconds this year. His ability to deliver in pressure moments makes him invaluable, especially when Wembanyama is out. He’s not a star — but he’s a winner.