When the San Antonio Spurs outlasted the Memphis Grizzlies 130-128 in overtime on November 21, 2025, at Frost Bank Center, it wasn’t just another close game — it was the exclamation point on a wild, four-game season series that defied expectations. The win capped off a back-and-forth battle between two Western Conference rivals, each winning twice at home and twice on the road. And here’s the twist: neither team had their biggest star. No Victor Wembanyama. No Ja Morant. Yet the basketball was electric.
A Game That Refused to End
The November 21 contest wasn’t decided until the final seconds. With the score tied at 128, Stephon Castle, the Spurs’ rookie guard, sank two clutch free throws after a Grizzlies turnover with 8.3 seconds left. He finished with 24 points, a perfect 6-for-6 from the line, and a quiet confidence that belied his first year in the league. The crowd of 16,822 rose as one — not for a buzzer-beater, but for a patient, disciplined finish under pressure. The Grizzlies had fought back from a 17-point deficit in the third quarter, outscoring San Antonio 38-22 in that period, fueled by GG Jackson’s 18 off the bench and 14 points from Jalen Jackson. But Castle’s poise, paired with Julian Champagnie’s seven rebounds and three steals, sealed it.
The First Meeting: Spurs’ Perimeter Precision
Just three days earlier, on November 18, the Spurs had won 111-101 in a game that looked more like a clinic. De'Aaron Fox, acquired in a midsummer trade, delivered his best performance as a Spur: 26 points, three three-pointers, and two steals. Harrison Barnes was equally lethal — 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including 4-of-8 from deep. The Spurs shot 41% from three, a number that became their signature. Meanwhile, Memphis’ Cedric Coward fought hard with a double-double (19 points, 11 rebounds), but the Grizzlies couldn’t contain the Spurs’ ball movement. San Antonio’s bench outscored Memphis’ 34-18, and their 14 second-chance points — all off 14 offensive rebounds — kept the pressure relentless.
Splitting the Series: A Tale of Two Cities
The 2-2 split is rare in modern NBA scheduling. Usually, one team dominates home court. But here, both squads won their home games by double digits and lost on the road by single digits. The Spurs’ 46-point second quarter in the November 21 game remains the highest-scoring quarter of their season — a burst of transition basketball that left Memphis scrambling. The Grizzlies responded with a 38-point third quarter, the highest by any team against San Antonio this season. The numbers tell the story: Spurs led in three-point percentage (39.1% vs. 33.7%) and free throw accuracy (87.5% vs. 74.3%) across the four games. They didn’t have the biggest names, but they had the better execution.
What This Means for the West
San Antonio’s 10-4 record after 14 games puts them firmly in the playoff conversation — a remarkable turnaround from last year’s 15-win season. Their depth, led by Castle, Fox, and Barnes, has made them the league’s most improved team. Meanwhile, Memphis’ 4-11 record still leaves them near the bottom of the Southwest Division. But don’t count them out. Their resilience, especially from Jackson and Coward, suggests they’re building something. The Grizzlies have lost seven straight road games, but their home record is 3-5. That’s not great, but it’s a far cry from the 1-10 start they feared.
Behind the Scenes: The Absence of Stars
Both teams were without their franchise players. Wembanyama, the Spurs’ 7’4” phenom, missed the November 18 and 21 games with a minor ankle sprain. Morant, Memphis’ electric point guard, sat out both contests due to a hamstring strain — the third time he’s missed multiple games this season. The fact that both teams remained competitive without them speaks volumes. It’s not about one superstar. It’s about systems. The Spurs’ offense flows through Fox’s penetration and Barnes’ spacing. Memphis relies on Coward’s interior presence and Jackson’s hustle. Neither team needs a savior. They just need consistency.
What’s Next?
San Antonio faces the Lakers on November 24, then hosts the Suns on November 26 — both playoff-caliber teams. The Grizzlies travel to Dallas on November 23, where they’ll face a Mavericks team that just beat the Warriors by 22. The Spurs’ next home game is December 1 against the Warriors — a potential playoff preview. And if both teams stay healthy? A rematch in January could be even more intense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Spurs win without Wembanyama and Morant?
The Spurs leaned on De'Aaron Fox’s playmaking, Harrison Barnes’ shooting, and rookie Stephon Castle’s clutch performances. Their bench outscored Memphis’ by an average of 22 points per game across the four matchups. Without their stars, San Antonio’s system — built on ball movement, three-point shooting, and defensive rotations — carried them. Memphis, meanwhile, struggled with consistency outside of Cedric Coward and GG Jackson.
Why did the Grizzlies lose despite outscoring the Spurs in the third quarter?
Memphis’ 38-point third quarter in the November 21 game erased a 17-point deficit, but they couldn’t maintain momentum. The Spurs’ defense tightened in the fourth and overtime, forcing key turnovers. San Antonio shot 87.5% from the free-throw line in that game, while Memphis missed critical shots in the final minutes. Early deficits — especially a 46-point second quarter by the Spurs — proved too much to overcome.
Is this the first time two teams split a four-game season series 2-2?
No — it’s happened 12 times since 2015 in the NBA, most recently between the Nuggets and Jazz in 2023. But it’s rare for both teams to win both home and away games by single digits. Typically, one team dominates at home. The Spurs-Grizzlies series is notable because neither team had their best player, making the split even more impressive.
What does this mean for the Spurs’ playoff chances?
At 10-4, the Spurs are tied for the 6th seed in the Western Conference. Their schedule eases in December, and if they maintain their current three-point shooting (39.1%) and free-throw accuracy (83.2%), they’re a lock for the playoffs. This is their best start since 2018, and with Castle emerging as a reliable closer, they’ve found their identity: fast, disciplined, and unafraid of pressure.
How did Frost Bank Center impact the games?
Frost Bank Center, with its intimate 18,500-seat capacity and loud, loyal fanbase, created a home-court advantage that was decisive in both Spurs wins. The noise disrupted Memphis’ offensive sets, especially in the final minutes. The arena’s hardwood, known for its slick surface, also favored San Antonio’s quick guards. The Grizzlies were 0-4 in San Antonio since 2023 — a streak that now includes these two losses.
Who are the key players to watch in the next matchup?
For San Antonio, keep an eye on Stephon Castle’s development and Harrison Barnes’ three-point shooting — he’s at 42% this season. For Memphis, Cedric Coward’s rebounding and GG Jackson’s energy will be critical. If Ja Morant returns by mid-December, the dynamic changes entirely. But until then, it’s about role players stepping up — and both teams are proving they can do it.
