Jaren Jackson Jr. managed just 5 points on 2-of-6 shooting as the San Antonio Spurs edged the Memphis Grizzlies 117-113 in a close contest on Tuesday night. Despite Jackson Jr.’s uncharacteristic low output, the Grizzlies remained competitive throughout against a shorthanded Spurs team.
🔥 Quick Facts
Harrison Barnes led the Spurs with a season-high 31 points, including 7 made three-pointers
Jaren Jackson Jr. struggled to a season-low 5 points with 6 rebounds in 23 minutes
Zach Edey led Memphis with 17 points and 15 rebounds, continuing his strong season
Spurs improved to 14-6 while Grizzlies fell to 9-13 after the tight loss
Harrison Barnes Delivers Career Night for Spurs Victory
Harrison Barnes set the tone for San Antonio’s victory with a dominant performance, shooting 10-of-19 from the floor and connecting on 7-of-12 from three-point range. The veteran forward’s 31 points and crucial clutch shooting proved to be the difference-maker down the stretch against Memphis.
De’Aaron Fox contributed 20 points and 4 assists for the Spurs, who played without star center Victor Wembanyama due to a calf injury. Dylan Harper added 15 points off the bench, helping San Antonio weather the absence of multiple key players.
The Spurs’ balanced offensive attack allowed them to overcome the Grizzlies’ second-half push, maintaining their winning form during Victor Wembanyama’s continued absence.
Memphis Grizzlies Struggle Despite Edey’s Effort
The Grizzlies got a strong performance from Zach Edey, who tallied 17 points and a team-leading 15 rebounds while shooting 8-of-12 from the field. Cam Spencer provided solid production with 19 points, and Jaylen Wells chipped in 20 points with 2 made three-pointers.
However, Memphis remained without key playmakers as Ja Morant continued his absence due to a right calf injury. The Grizzlies also played without Scotty Pippen Jr., Ty Jerome, and Javon Small due to various injuries, creating significant depth challenges.
Offensive Efficiency Decides Close Contest
Team Statistic
Spurs
Grizzlies
Field Goal %
46.6%
51.8%
Three-Point %
45.9%
39.1%
Rebounds
43
57
Assists
28
27
San Antonio’s ability to take care of the basketball proved crucial, committing just 5 turnovers compared to Memphis’s 14 turnovers. The Spurs shot an efficient 45.9% from three-point range, led by Harrison Barnes’s exceptional night from beyond the arc.
Memphis dominated the glass with 57 rebounds to 43, but costly turnovers prevented them from fully capitalizing on their superior rebound advantage during stretches of the game.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
The Spurs sit at 14-6 on the season and continue their solid stretch largely due to exceptional performances from complementary players like Barnes and Fox in Wembanyama’s absence. San Antonio faces significant road trip challenges ahead, with six of their next seven contests on the road after facing Orlando on Wednesday.
Memphis, meanwhile, drops to 9-13 and must find ways to generate consistent offensive production when key contributors like Jaren Jackson Jr. struggle. The Grizzlies’ injury situation remains complicated, but their rebounding prowess gives them hope for future matchups against well-rested opponents.
Sources
NBA.com – Official box scores and game summaries
ESPN – Real-time game coverage and player statistics
AP/Reuters – Game recap and injury updates
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.