The San Antonio Spurs didn’t need a single superstar to carry them — they just needed nine guys who could score. On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, the Spurs outlasted the Memphis Grizzlies 111-101 in a game that wasn’t pretty but was profoundly telling. De'Aaron Fox, the 27-year-old point guard acquired in the offseason, dropped 26 points with three three-pointers and two steals, but he wasn’t even the only Spur in double figures. Not even close. This wasn’t about one player stealing the show. It was about a roster that finally looks like it’s built to last.
Depth Over Stars
The Grizzlies fought hard. Cedric Coward battled inside for 19 points and 11 rebounds, and Memphis grabbed 14 offensive boards — translating into 14 second-chance points. They had their moments. Jaylen Wells hit back-to-back threes early. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey controlled the paint. But every time Memphis clawed back, San Antonio answered. Not with a miracle shot, but with a steady stream of contributions. Harrison Barnes, the 33-year-old veteran who’s been around long enough to remember the last Spurs dynasty, chipped in 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting. Keldon Johnson spun through traffic for a highlight finish. Kelly Olynyk, the 33-year-old Canadian big, provided spacing and savvy off the bench. Jeremy Sochan, the 21-year-old Polish forward, played tough defense and made smart passes. Lindy Waters III and Julian Champagnie, two players most fans wouldn’t recognize unless they watched every game, combined for 18 points and relentless energy. Nine Spurs scored in double figures. That’s not luck. That’s culture.The Third Quarter Turn
The game was tied at 34 after the first quarter. Memphis led by five at halftime. Then came the third — and De'Aaron Fox took over. He scored 11 points in just under eight minutes, including a step-back three that drew a foul and a breakaway dunk off a steal that had the crowd roaring. "Fox against the rookie. Looking to put that final nail in the coffin," read one highlight transcript. That moment, at the 5:57 mark of the third, was the turning point. The Spurs went on a 17-4 run. By the end of the quarter, they led 45-34 — a lead they never gave up. What made it even more impressive? The Grizzlies kept fighting. They didn’t fold. But San Antonio’s bench — Kelly Olynyk, Jeremy Sochan, and Lindy Waters III — didn’t just hold the line. They extended it. When Fox sat, the offense didn’t stall. When Barnes rested, someone else stepped up. That’s what happens when a team trusts its system.
A Coach’s Legacy
This isn’t accidental. It’s the work of Gregg Popovich, the 76-year-old head coach in his 29th season with the Spurs. He’s seen it all — five championships, the rise of Duncan, Parker, Ginóbili, the rebuild, the draft lottery years. But now? He’s building something new. Not with one franchise player, but with a collection of role players who understand their roles — and then exceed them. Popovich doesn’t scream at practices. He doesn’t need to. He instills discipline, spacing, and selflessness. And it’s paying off. The Spurs are now 10-4, riding a six-game home winning streak at the Frost Bank Center. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies — coached by Taylor Jenkins — are 4-11, with a 1-7 road record. Their young core is talented, but they’re still learning how to close. San Antonio? They’ve already mastered it.What’s Next?
The Spurs’ next test comes on November 20, 2025, when they host the Los Angeles Lakers — a team with its own star power and playoff aspirations. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, travel to Dallas on November 21 to face the Mavericks, a team that’s been quietly surging. But for San Antonio, this win wasn’t just about the record. It was about identity. They’re not the Spurs of 2014 anymore. They’re not the team with one transcendent talent. But they might be the most dangerous team in the West right now — because nobody knows who’s going to score next. And that’s terrifying.
Behind the Numbers
- De'Aaron Fox: 26 points, 3 assists, 3 threes, 2 steals, 44% FG - Harrison Barnes: 23 points, 5 rebounds, 4-8 from three - Cedric Coward: 19 points, 11 rebounds (Grizzlies’ top performer) - Spurs bench scored 51 points to Memphis’s 38 - San Antonio held Memphis to 41% shooting in the second half - Nine different Spurs scored in double figures — the fifth straight game with at least nine double-figure scorersFrequently Asked Questions
How does De'Aaron Fox’s performance impact the Spurs’ playoff chances?
Fox’s arrival has transformed the Spurs from a slow, methodical team into a fast-paced, dynamic offense. His ability to push tempo and create for others makes San Antonio significantly harder to guard in the playoffs. With 26 points on 44% shooting against Memphis, he’s proving he can carry a load without sacrificing team play — a key trait for any contender.
Why is team depth so critical for the Spurs this season?
After years of rebuilding, the Spurs have no single All-Star-caliber player. Their strategy relies on rotating contributions — nine players scoring in double figures in this game alone. This depth allows them to weather injuries, fatigue, and defensive schemes that focus on one or two stars. It’s a blueprint for sustainability, not just success.
What does this win reveal about Gregg Popovich’s coaching philosophy?
Popovich has always valued structure over star power. This win shows he’s adapted that philosophy to modern basketball: spacing, movement, and unselfishness still win — even without a 30-point scorer. He’s turned a roster full of role players into a cohesive unit, proving that culture beats talent when talent is spread thin.
How did the Grizzlies’ offensive rebounding affect the game?
Memphis grabbed 14 offensive rebounds, turning them into 14 second-chance points — a key reason they stayed within striking distance. But the Spurs’ perimeter defense improved dramatically in the second half, limiting open looks and forcing tougher shots. That adjustment, more than scoring, sealed the win.
Who are the key bench players for the Spurs and why do they matter?
Kelly Olynyk brings veteran spacing, Jeremy Sochan defends multiple positions, and Lindy Waters III hits clutch threes. Together, they’ve provided 51 bench points in this game — the highest in the league over the last five games. Their ability to maintain offensive rhythm when starters rest is what makes San Antonio’s rotation so dangerous.
What’s the significance of the Spurs’ six-game home winning streak?
The Frost Bank Center has become a fortress again — something the franchise hasn’t had since the mid-2010s. Home-court advantage matters in the playoffs, and this streak signals a return to competitiveness. More importantly, it shows the team believes in itself — even when the national media overlooks them.
Dorian Caulfield
Hello, my name is Dorian Caulfield, and I am a passionate chef with expertise in cooking and creating unique recipes. I love to experiment with various ingredients and techniques, always looking for ways to elevate traditional dishes. My culinary journey has taken me around the world, constantly learning and refining my skills. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and passion for food by writing about recipes and cooking tips. My goal is to inspire others to find joy in the kitchen and create delicious meals with love and creativity.
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