De’Aaron Fox leads in money time against the Grizzlies
In the middle of two “journeys”, Spurs (14v-6d) did not miss their only home visit in early December. But the Texans had to work to bounce back Grizzlies (9v-13d) striking, who counted up to three possessions in advance a few minutes from the end.
The locals could count on a big win Harrison Barnesparticularly inspired by the 3-pointer (7/12), who finished with 31 points but scored most of his points in the first three quarters.
Three periods at the end in which neither team gained an advantage over the other (97-98). Encouraged by the good outing of Jaylen Wells (20 points) or the big internal project of Zack Eddy (19 points and 15 rebounds), the locals thought to choose the option after the prize basket in the first intention in the transition of Cam Spencer (21 points) at seven minutes of the time (101-108).
Another great finale “Mr. Clutch”
That’s where Keldon Johnson’s muscles and Dylan Harper’s 3-pointer woke up the Spurs and made it 9-0. To which Vince Williams Jr. responded with a personal 5-0 and put Memphis ahead 4 minutes from the end (110-113).
Back on the floor for “money time,” De’Aaron Fox then took matters into his own hands by signing a good layup to find the same Johnson in the corner. Then the leader stopped in transition at the free throw line to sanction unopposed.
Finally, a minute from the end, while Luke Cornet multiplied decisive gestures in the racket (Cedric Coward’s block, offensive bouncer…), the left-hander signed a “dagger” with a small “step” behind the bow at the head of the racket (122-115). Active in civilian clothes on his bench, Victor Vembanyama could appreciate that.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– Dominates underneath, not on 3-pointers. As could be expected in the absence of their big man, the locals had a hard time containing the racket of the opposition, especially Zach Eddy. As a result, Memphis dominated the rebounding (50-40) and points scored in the paint (58-42) debates. San Antonio, on the other hand, was much more successful from behind the arc: 18/39 for the Texans, compared to just 9/26 for their opponents.
– Jaren Jackson Jr. and small form. Expected to be the offensive leader of his team, especially in the absence of Ja Morant, the interior, hampered by mistakes, signed a very small outing with 7 points (3/9 shooting) and 6 rebounds, while losing the ball in hand (5 turnovers) and three-pointers (0/4). That’s the lowest production of the year from a regular who has just failed to reach 10 points this season so far.
– Spurs improve their record without Victor Wembanyama. The Texans are clinging to the lead in the West despite the absence of their best player. On the sidelines since mid-November, the Frenchman sees his team keep pace with a dynamic of six wins and two losses (away at Phoenix and Minnesota) in his absence. A flattering assessment for a team that, having barely returned from a trip, is about to go on a “trip” (Magic, Cavs, Pelicans and Lakers).
2025-12-03 06:06:00
