When the San Antonio Spurs took the floor at the Frost Bank Center on November 18, 2025, no one expected them to win. Not without Victor Wembanyama. Not without Stephon Castle. And certainly not after falling behind 8-0 in the first minute. Yet there they were — 111-101 victors over the Memphis Grizzlies — thanks to a fourth-quarter explosion that turned a crumbling game into a statement win.
When the Stars Are Out, Others Step Up
The absence of Wembanyama, the 7-foot-4 phenom nursing a left calf strain, and Castle, the emerging guard with a hip flexor injury, left the Spurs with a gaping hole in both size and playmaking. Both were ruled out after MRI results confirmed the severity — each expected to miss two to three weeks. The team also confirmed guard Dylan Harper was sidelined with a calf strain of his own. It was the kind of injury cascade that usually spells doom for a young team trying to find its identity. But the Spurs didn’t crumble. Instead, De'Aaron Fox and Harrison Barnes did what stars do when the spotlight shifts. Fox, acquired in a summer trade that raised eyebrows, dropped 26 points on 10-of-20 shooting, including three threes. Barnes, the veteran forward, added 23 points on 9-of-14 efficiency, hitting four from deep. Together, they combined for 49 points — more than the entire Grizzlies starting backcourt. "They took over," said the San Antonio Express-News. "Not because they had to. Because they wanted to."Fourth Quarter: A Tale of Two Teams
The game was a seesaw. Memphis led by 12 early. San Antonio clawed back to tie at 35. Then 60. Then 81. But it wasn’t until the fourth quarter that the chasm between the teams truly opened. The Grizzlies, clinging to a 101-100 lead with 3:13 left, looked poised to extend their opponent’s misery. But then came the collapse. A missed three by Cedric Coward. A steal by Fox. A transition layup by Barnes. A corner three by rookie forward Malik Williams. A defensive stop on Jaren Jackson Jr. The Spurs closed the game on a 11-0 run. They outscored Memphis 25-14 in the final 12 minutes — a performance that erased a 22-2 deficit in second-chance points and a 59-38 rebounding disadvantage. "It’s not about talent," said Spurs coach Mitch Johnson afterward. "It’s about heart. And tonight, we had more of it."
Memphis’ Fourth-Quarter Curse Continues
For the Memphis Grizzlies, it was another familiar script. Their fifth straight loss. Their 11th defeat in 15 games. Guard Cedric Coward, who posted a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds, summed it up bluntly to The Commercial Appeal: "Another fourth-quarter meltdown. That’s our season in a nutshell." Jackson Jr. added 18 points, but the Grizzlies’ offense sputtered under pressure. They shot just 38% from the field in the final quarter and turned the ball over four times in the last 2:30. The team has now lost 12 of its last 14 games decided by single digits — a troubling pattern that suggests mental fatigue, not physical inability.What This Means for Both Teams
The Spurs’ win improved their record to 10-4, their best start since 2021. It was their second straight victory and fifth in seven games — a sign they’re finding cohesion despite injuries. Their home record at the Frost Bank Center now stands at 7-1. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies fall to 4-11, and with Ja Morant still sidelined for the season, their rebuild is slipping into chaos. Historical context adds weight: The Spurs are now 18-31 all-time without Wembanyama. But this win? It felt different. It wasn’t just a victory. It was proof they can survive without their franchise player — and maybe even thrive.
What’s Next?
Both teams face new opponents on Thursday, November 20, 2025. The Grizzlies host the Sacramento Kings at FedExForum in Memphis. The Spurs welcome the Atlanta Hawks back to the Frost Bank Center. For Memphis, it’s a chance to reset. For San Antonio, it’s a chance to prove this isn’t a fluke — but the beginning of something new.The game’s total points — 212 — fell well below the 234.5 over/under line, handing a win to under bettors. Spurs fans who wagered $240 on the -240 moneyline collected $340. Small victories, indeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Spurs win without Wembanyama and Castle?
The Spurs leaned heavily on De’Aaron Fox and Harrison Barnes, who combined for 49 points and 8 rebounds. Their offensive execution in the fourth quarter — particularly a 11-0 closing run — overcame a 59-38 rebounding deficit and poor shooting early. The team’s defense tightened, forcing critical turnovers, and rookie Malik Williams hit a clutch three that shifted momentum. It wasn’t about one player stepping up — it was about collective resilience.
Why is Memphis losing so many close games?
The Grizzlies have lost 12 of their last 14 games decided by single digits. Their offense stalls under pressure, with key players like Cedric Coward and Jaren Jackson Jr. missing critical shots down the stretch. Defensive communication breaks down in the final minutes, and they’ve failed to execute a single play in the last 2:30 of four consecutive losses. It’s not a talent issue — it’s a mental one.
What’s the long-term impact of Wembanyama’s injury?
Wembanyama’s absence tests the Spurs’ depth and forces younger players into larger roles. While they’re 18-31 historically without him, this win suggests a shift in culture. If Fox and Barnes can carry the load, the team may become less reliant on one star. But if the injury lingers beyond three weeks, playoff positioning could slip — especially with the Western Conference tightening.
How does this game compare to past Spurs wins without stars?
In 2023, the Spurs beat the Warriors 108-102 without Dejounte Murray and Keldon Johnson — but that win came against a fading contender. This victory over a team with playoff aspirations (even injured) is more significant. It mirrors the 2017 win over the Thunder without Kawhi Leonard, where the Spurs showed resilience under adversity. This one feels more like a turning point than a fluke.
What’s the betting implication of this game?
The total points (212) were 22.5 under the line — a rare outcome in modern NBA games. The Spurs’ -240 moneyline was a heavy favorite, but the win confirmed their value as a home team even without stars. For future games, bettors may now consider the Spurs as stronger than their record suggests when playing at home, especially if opponents are fatigued or injury-riddled.
Will the Spurs make the playoffs this season?
At 10-4, they’re in the top six of the Western Conference. Even if they go 5-10 without Wembanyama, they’re likely to finish around 42-40 — enough to sneak into the play-in tournament. Their home record is elite, and Fox’s playmaking is elevating the entire roster. They won’t be a top seed, but they’re no longer a lottery team. They’re a dangerous underdog.
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