The San Antonio Spurs didn’t just win on November 18, 2025 — they reasserted themselves as a force in the Western Conference. Down by six entering the final quarter, they closed the game on an 11-0 run, holding the Memphis Grizzlies to just 11 points in the final 12 minutes at San Antonio’s home arena. The final score: 111-101. But the real story wasn’t the points — it was the grit. The defense. The discipline. And the quiet transformation of a team learning how to win when it matters most.
Fourth-Quarter Discipline Turns the Tide
For three quarters, the game felt like a rollercoaster. The Grizzlies, led by Cedric Coward’s 19 points and 11 rebounds, carved up the Spurs’ defense with relentless drives and second-chance opportunities. But then, the fourth quarter arrived — and everything changed. Mitch Johnson, the Spurs’ head coach, had spent the entire week drilling his team on containment, switching schemes, and physicality. It paid off. The Spurs held Memphis’s star, Jiren, to just 14 points on 20 shots — a brutal efficiency drop from his 28-point explosion against Dallas just five nights earlier. "We got a little outside of ourselves in the third," Johnson admitted postgame. "But in the fourth? We remembered who we are. Defense first. Communication second. And then, the offense just kind of shows up." The key? Locking down Jiren. Jeremy and Harrison Barnes — two veteran wings — took turns guarding him, denying entry passes, and forcing him into contested jumpers. "You can’t ask more than that," Johnson said, smiling. "He’s their guy. And we made him work for every inch."De’Aaron Fox Leads the Charge — But It Wasn’t Just Him
Let’s be clear: De’Aaron Fox was electric. He dropped a game-high 26 points, going 6-for-6 in the third quarter alone — a stretch that kept the Spurs alive when things were falling apart. He hit three threes, dished out three assists, and stole two passes. His "two-for-one" shot late in the third — a perfectly timed possession that ate up 22 seconds — was textbook execution. But Fox didn’t win this game alone. Harrison Barnes added 23 points, hitting four of eight from deep, and his relentless hustle — chasing loose balls, diving for rebounds, and making that crucial steal with 1:12 left — was the quiet engine of the win. "He’s not flashy," Johnson said. "But he’s the guy you want in a close game. He knows when to take over and when to set someone else up."Bench Depth and the Two-Way Breakthrough
One of the most telling moments came with 5:30 left in the fourth. Johnson called for David Jones Garcia, a two-way contract player who had logged just 12 minutes all season. Garcia checked in, defended Jiren on the perimeter, grabbed a key rebound, and then slipped a perfect pass to Barnes for a corner three. "We’re going deeper into the bench," Johnson explained in his pregame presser. "This isn’t just about winning tonight. It’s about building depth so we don’t break in March." Garcia’s appearance wasn’t a gimmick — it was a statement. The Spurs are no longer relying on seven guys. They’re building a nine-man rotation that can sustain pressure.Grizzlies’ Struggles Mirror a Broader Pattern
The Grizzlies, now 4-11, are stuck in a cycle. They’ve got talent — Jiren is a top-15 player in the league, and Coward is a force in the paint — but they lack structure. Their offense stagnates when Jiren is doubled. Their bench averages just 21 points per game. And their defense? They allowed 31 fourth-quarter points to San Antonio — the most they’ve given up in any final frame this season. "We had chances," said Grizzlies coach Taylor Reed afterward. "But we didn’t make the plays when it counted. And that’s on us." Meanwhile, the Spurs are quietly becoming the team everyone’s watching. Their 10-4 start is their best since 2021. They’re top-five in defensive rating since November 1. And their chemistry — something Johnson has preached since training camp — is finally clicking. "You can feel it here in Spurs land," one fan shouted as the final buzzer sounded. And he wasn’t wrong.
What’s Next? The Road Ahead
San Antonio’s next three games are against Phoenix, Denver, and Sacramento — all playoff-caliber teams. If they can maintain this defensive intensity, they could be serious contenders. But the real test? Can they win on the road? They’re 5-2 at home, but just 5-2 away — a split that could define their season. "We’ve got to stop thinking we’re just good," Johnson told reporters. "We’ve got to start thinking we’re elite. And that starts with how we respond after a win like this." The Grizzlies? They head into a brutal stretch: four games in five nights, including back-to-backs in Portland and L.A. Without a defensive identity, their season could spiral fast.Why This Matters
This wasn’t just another win. It was proof that San Antonio’s rebuild — once seen as slow, even stagnant — is accelerating. They’re not just drafting well; they’re coaching well. They’re not just signing veterans; they’re integrating them. And they’re doing it without a superstar. Fox is good, but he’s not Giannis. Barnes isn’t Durant. Yet here they are — 10-4, playing with purpose, and making teams pay for every possession. For fans of basketball that’s built, not bought — this is the kind of team you root for.Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Spurs contain Jiren so effectively in the fourth quarter?
The Spurs used a combination of switching defenses and physical, close-out coverage, with Jeremy and Harrison Barnes alternating as primary defenders. They denied Jiren the ball in the post and forced him into contested mid-range jumpers — he took 20 shots for just 14 points, compared to his 28-point average in previous games. The team also emphasized communication, ensuring no help defender was late on rotations.
What role did David Jones Garcia play in the win?
David Jones Garcia, a two-way player previously averaging under 4 minutes per game, entered in the fourth quarter and played 3:18 with poise. He defended Jiren on a key possession, grabbed a defensive rebound, and assisted Harrison Barnes on a three-pointer. His presence allowed Johnson to rest starters and signaled the team’s growing depth — a crucial factor as the season progresses into tougher road games.
Why is this win significant for the Spurs’ season?
At 10-4, the Spurs have their best start since the 2020-21 season and are now tied for fourth in the Western Conference. More importantly, they’ve shown they can win without relying on a single superstar — instead, they’re winning with defense, ball movement, and role-player execution. This performance signals they’re no longer a rebuilding team but a legitimate playoff threat.
How does this loss impact the Memphis Grizzlies’ playoff chances?
At 4-11, the Grizzlies are in last place in the Southwest Division and 7.5 games out of the final playoff spot. Their offensive reliance on Jiren — who’s now averaging 21.8 points but shooting just 39% — is unsustainable. Without defensive improvement or bench scoring, their chances of making the playoffs are fading fast, especially with a brutal schedule ahead.
What did Mitch Johnson emphasize in his pregame message?
In his pregame press conference, Johnson stressed building chemistry "on and off the court," highlighting team dinners, film sessions with role players, and consistent defensive drills. He said the team’s identity wasn’t about individual stats but about collective effort — a philosophy that showed in their fourth-quarter execution and bench contributions.
How does De’Aaron Fox’s performance compare to his career norms?
Fox’s 26-point, 3-assist, 3-three-pointer night was right in line with his season average of 24.1 points per game. But his efficiency — 8-for-13 from the field and perfect 6-for-6 in the third quarter — was a career-high for a single quarter this season. He’s also improved his three-point shooting to 41%, up from 34% last year, making him a more complete offensive weapon.
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