Grades: San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies – Game #39
Stephon Castle led the Spurs against the Grizzlies (Photo via X)
The San Antonio Spurs had their chances but the Memphis Grizzlies eventually escaped with a 129-115 victory in South Texas on Wednesday night. The Spurs dropped to 19-20, while the Grizzlies improved their record to 26-15.
The first half was close until the Spurs made a run at the end of the second quarter. At halftime, San Antonio had a 12-point lead, 63-51. Unfortunately, the good guys squandered that advantage almost instantly in the second half.
With five minutes remaining in regulation, a Stephon Castle dunk brought the Spurs within a point of the Grizzlies. But that’s when Memphis went on a 9-0 run to essentially end the game.
Net-net, the Spurs didn’t play terribly but they took their foot of the gas at very inopportune times.
Stats: Spurs vs. Grizzlies
Spurs vs. Grizzlies – Final Grades
Victor Wembanyama
The good: Wembanyama had eight blocks in the first half alone. He only turned the ball over once and had decent success from beyond the three-point arc. The bad: Ugh, this was one of Wembanyama’s more disappointing games of the season. Shooting 2-for-9 from two-point range won’t cut it, especially when he didn’t even go to the free throw line at all. He also had no blocks in the second half and his passing was a step slow. All in all, Wembanyama has to play better than he did in this game for the Spurs to defeat a contender.
Grade: D-
Devin Vassell
The good news is that Vassell may be finding his way out of his shooting slump. He hit half of his threes and was even better from two-point range. The bad news is that Vassell is still struggling to remain within the framework of the team. His shot-selection isn’t as wise or dependable as the other players on the team. When Vassell tries to do too much, it hurts his compatriots. I also didn’t think Vassell’s defense was good against the Grizzlies.
Grade: C
Chris Paul
Paul had a difficult outing. He shot the ball reasonably well but that was about the extent of his positives. His playmaking wasn’t as exquisite as usual. He turned the ball over four times and committed five fouls. Paul also had a difficult time on the defensive end finding someone he could adequately guard.
Grade: C-
Harrison Barnes
Barnes had an average outing. He shot well, rebounded fine and made the right passes. I liked his aggression on both ends. Barnes’ defense wasn’t great but it was near his normal level.
Grade: B-
Stephon Castle
The good: Castle led the Spurs with 26 points. He got to the line seven times, turned it over only once, authored heady passes and was oftentimes San Antonio’s only lively offensive player. Castle exhibited absolutely no fear; no moment was too big for him. I liked his defense and he flashed elite athleticism on both ends. The bad: Shooting remains a struggle for Castle. Going 2-for-9 from deep just doesn’t cut it. In retrospect, Castle should have passed it more and shot it less — but it’s difficult to be too upset about that.
Grade: A-
Keldon Johnson
Johnson continued his recent hot streak with another positive affair. He’s driving to the basket with vivacity. His athleticism and power are combining to make him a threat that is difficult to slow down. Johnson took care of the ball and his decision-making was okay. On the other end of the court, he could have been better — especially when it came to making rotations.
Grade: B
Julian Champagnie
Champagnie had it going against the Grizzlies. He was 3-for-5 from downtown, passed well, rebounded well and played solid defense. Champagnie has been streaky lately but, in hindsight, he should have played more versus Memphis. His three-point shooting and defense may have been able to turn the momentum.
Grade: B
Tre Jones
Jones efforted during his 13 minutes but failed to make a noticeable impact. I liked the ruggedness of his drives, his carefulness with the ball, his passing and his pushing of the tempo. But Jones had trouble surviving on defense and he remains painfully one-dimensional.
Grade: B-
Charles Bassey
No one could fault Bassey’s productivity. Five points, five rebounds, two blocks and a steal in 11 minutes is quality work by San Antonio’s backup center. That said, even with Wembanyama having an off night, there was still a drop when going from ice cold Wemby to productive Bassey.
Grade: B
Mitch Johnson
Johnson could have done a better job of getting Wembanyama going early. As mentioned above, Champagnie should have played more. The Spurs were leaning on Castle a bit too much — but that’s definitely better than hiding him on the end of the bench. The rest of the rotation was fine.
Grade: C