Ja Morant delivered an impressive performance with 21 points and 12 assists, leading the Memphis Grizzlies to a 129-115 win against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night. Memphis ended their struggles after losing four of their last six games, thanks to strong contributions from the entire team.
Key Performances
- Ja Morant: 21 points, 12 assists, and a highlight reel of plays.
- Desmond Bane: Scored 21 points, including a key 3-pointer in the first quarter.
- Santi Aldama: Added 20 points to power Memphis’ offense.
- Jaren Jackson Jr.: Contributed 19 points, bolstering the team’s strong second half.
San Antonio Spurs
- Stephon Castle: The rookie shined with a season-high 26 points, including 24 in the second half.
- Victor Wembanyama: Finished with 13 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 blocks, all coming in the first half.
Grizzlies’ Dominance in the Paint
Memphis made a concerted effort to attack 7-foot-3 Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, testing his defense early.
- Ja Morant: Opened the game with a fadeaway floater over Wembanyama. Later, Morant attempted a highlight dunk over the Spurs rookie, though it didn’t count due to a referee’s whistle.
- Zach Edey: The Grizzlies rookie center scored six points and grabbed five rebounds while being the primary defender on Wembanyama.
Despite Wembanyama’s eight first-half blocks, Memphis adjusted and outscored San Antonio 78-52 in the second half, effectively neutralizing his impact.
Key Moment
Wembanyama blocked back-to-back attempts by Zach Edey and Santi Aldama late in the first quarter. However, Desmond Bane capitalized on the loose ball, sinking a clutch 3-pointer to cut the Spurs’ lead to 30-28. Memphis carried this momentum into a dominant second half.
Key Stat
Wembanyama has now recorded five games with eight or more blocks this season, showcasing his elite rim protection.
What’s Next?
The Spurs and Grizzlies will face off again in San Antonio on Friday to conclude their two-game series.
