On Tuesday night, February 6, 2024, the San Antonio Spurs pulled off a gritty 111-101 win over the Memphis Grizzlies at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio — despite playing without their two youngest stars. No Victor Wembanyama. No Stephon Castle. And the Grizzlies? They were missing their engine, Ja Morant. It was a battle of depleted rosters, and yet, the Spurs found a way. Not with superstar flashes, but with grit, timing, and a fourth-quarter explosion that buried Memphis under a 25-14 surge.
When the Stars Are Out, Others Step Up
Harrison Barnes didn’t need a spotlight to shine. The 33-year-old forward delivered a vintage performance: 23 points on 9-for-14 shooting, including seven straight points in the final minutes — a running hook, a nine-foot floater, then a dagger three-pointer that gave San Antonio a 107-101 lead with 53.2 seconds left. It wasn’t flashy, but it was cold-blooded. De’Aaron Fox, acquired in a midseason trade, added 26 points, playing with the poise of a veteran despite being just 26. Keldon Johnson chipped in 18, hitting 8 of 15 from the field. These weren’t All-Stars carrying the load. They were role players stepping into the breach — and doing it well.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies fought hard. Jaren Jackson Jr. dropped 18 points and 11 rebounds, and Cedric Coward scored 19, but without Morant’s rhythm-creating drives and pick-and-roll genius, Memphis looked disjointed. They dominated the glass — 59 rebounds to San Antonio’s 38 — and turned second-chance opportunities into 22 points. But basketball isn’t won by rebounds alone. It’s won by execution when it matters most.
The Fourth Quarter That Changed Everything
The game started sloppy — turnovers, missed layups, lazy rotations. By halftime, the Grizzlies led 58-54. It looked like another loss in a long string. But something shifted in the fourth. The Spurs tightened their defense. They forced Memphis into tough, contested shots. And when the Grizzlies finally missed, San Antonio pounced. Fox drove, Barnes hit his floater, Johnson converted a tough mid-range jumper. The crowd at the Frost Bank Center rose to their feet with each basket. By the final minute, the Grizzlies were chasing ghosts.
“We knew we had to be better,” said Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich afterward. “We didn’t have our best players. But we had guys who wanted to win. That’s what matters.”
Injuries Are Piling Up — But So Are Wins
MRIs confirmed what everyone feared: Victor Wembanyama has a left calf strain, and Stephon Castle suffered a left hip flexor strain. Both are expected to miss two to three weeks, with re-evaluations scheduled for late February. That means Wembanyama, the 7-foot-4 phenom who’s changed the Spurs’ entire identity, won’t return until at least February 20 — possibly not until the 27th.
And yet, the Spurs’ record without Wembanyama? 18 wins, 31 losses. That’s a .368 winning percentage. This win — their second straight — improves them to 5-2 in their last seven games. It’s not a fluke. It’s a statement: this team is deeper than anyone thought.
The Grizzlies? Their record without Ja Morant is 76-93 since he entered the league. Five straight losses now. Their playoff hopes are fading. They’re 10th in the Western Conference, just one game ahead of the Sacramento Kings. Without Morant, they lack a true playmaker. Jaren Jackson Jr. can score, but he can’t create for others like Morant can. And the bench? It’s thin.
Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
This wasn’t just about two teams fighting for a playoff spot. It was about identity. The Spurs, once known for their methodical, veteran-led system, are now rebuilding around youth — and learning how to win without their brightest star. Wembanyama’s absence was supposed to be a death knell. Instead, it’s forcing growth. Barnes, Fox, Johnson — they’re not just filling roles. They’re defining them.
For Memphis, the story is more tragic. Morant’s absence isn’t just a statistical loss — it’s a psychological one. The Grizzlies’ system was built around his speed, his fearlessness, his ability to draw double teams and kick out. Without him, they’re stuck in isolation mode. And that’s not sustainable.
Geographically, the game was a clash of two Southern basketball cultures: San Antonio’s steady, disciplined tradition versus Memphis’s gritty, physical style. But tonight, discipline won. And the Spurs proved they’re more than just a one-man show.
What’s Next?
San Antonio faces the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday, then the Denver Nuggets on Sunday — both tough tests. But if they can keep winning without Wembanyama, they might just sneak into the play-in tournament. Meanwhile, Memphis heads to Dallas on Thursday, needing a win to stop the bleeding. But without Morant, even home-court advantage might not be enough.
The Spurs’ medical staff will monitor Wembanyama’s calf closely. Any setback could push his return into March. Castle’s hip flexor is less severe, but still requires rest. Dylan Harper, another young guard, remains out with a calf strain. San Antonio’s depth is being tested — and passing.
As for the Grizzlies? They’ll keep grinding. But the clock is ticking. Morant’s return date remains unknown. And every loss without him makes the climb steeper.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Spurs win without Wembanyama and Castle?
The Spurs leaned on veteran leadership and timely scoring. Harrison Barnes delivered a clutch 23-point performance, De’Aaron Fox led with 26 points, and Keldon Johnson added 18. They capitalized on a 25-14 fourth-quarter surge, out-executing Memphis despite being outrebounded 59-38. Their defense tightened, and they forced the Grizzlies into low-percentage shots late.
What’s the timeline for Wembanyama and Castle’s return?
Both players sustained strains confirmed by MRI on February 6, 2024. They’re expected to miss two to three weeks, meaning their earliest return is February 20, with a likely window of February 20–27. Re-evaluations are scheduled in two weeks, and no timeline beyond that has been set. The Spurs are being cautious to avoid re-injury.
Why is Ja Morant’s absence so damaging to the Grizzlies?
Morant is Memphis’s primary playmaker and offensive catalyst. Without him, the Grizzlies lack a dynamic driver who can break down defenses and create for others. Their offense becomes stagnant, relying too heavily on Jaren Jackson Jr. and isolation plays. Their 76-93 record without him since 2019 shows how dependent they are on his presence.
How does this win impact the Spurs’ playoff chances?
The win improves San Antonio to 25-38 on the season, keeping them within striking distance of the Western Conference play-in race. They’re just 2.5 games behind the 10th-seeded Los Angeles Clippers. Winning without Wembanyama proves they’re more than a one-man team — and gives them momentum heading into a tough stretch of games.
What’s the historical context of this matchup?
The Spurs, founded in 1967 and joining the NBA in 1976, have long been known for depth and coaching excellence. The Grizzlies, relocated from Vancouver in 2001, built a reputation on toughness. But this game marks a shift: San Antonio is transitioning from a veteran core to a young one, while Memphis is struggling to adapt without its franchise player — a reversal of their traditional identities.
Did rebounding advantage help the Grizzlies at all?
Yes — but only temporarily. Memphis outrebounded San Antonio 59-38 and scored 22 second-chance points, the most they’ve had in a game this season. But the Spurs limited them to just 14 fourth-quarter points after that early advantage. Efficiency mattered more than volume — and San Antonio’s ball movement and shot selection ultimately outweighed Memphis’s physical dominance.
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