Grizzlies vs Spurs: Spurs’ Crushing Defeat by Undermanned Grizzlies Exposes Costly Weaknesses

The Grizzlies vs Spurs clash delivered one of the most uncomfortable nights of the season for San Antonio.

A 106–105 loss to a heavily undermanned Memphis Grizzlies side has sparked serious concern across the NBA, with the Spurs failing to capitalise despite facing a depleted roster.

For UK basketball fans following the NBA closely, this narrow defeat was not just about the scoreline; it highlighted structural flaws in the Spurs’ game that could derail their season ambitions.

What Went Wrong for the Spurs Against the Grizzlies?

Despite entering the match as favourites, San Antonio struggled to impose themselves from the opening quarter. Memphis, missing several rotation players, played with discipline, physicality, and tactical clarity.

Led by head coach Tuomas Iisalo, the Grizzlies focused on disrupting ball movement, forcing poor shot selection, and dominating second-chance opportunities.

Jock Landale KEY in WIN vs San Antonio

19 PTS | 8/15 FG | 9 REB | 2 AST | 1 BLK

Apart from his two missed free throws late down the stretch, Jock and the Grizzlies were locked in and come away with a close victory at home over the Spurs. (106-105) pic.twitter.com/sYV2Zx3Z2a

— Luke Travers fan club (@TraversHoops) January 7, 2026

“We played to our identity and made the game uncomfortable,” Iisalo said in post-match remarks carried by US basketball media. That discomfort told, especially in the final minutes.

How Poor Was San Antonio’s Shooting Performance?

The numbers were stark:

• Spurs’ guard trio: 11 made shots from 39 attempts (28.2%)
• Heavy reliance on long-range shots and contested threes
• Only Julian Champagnie showed consistent success from beyond the arc

While Victor Wembanyama delivered a standout individual performance, scoring 30 points in just 21 minutes, the lack of support around him was glaring.

Wembanyama’s efficiency masked deeper issues; the offence stalled whenever he left the floor, forcing rushed possessions and low-percentage attempts.

Why Were Spurs Outworked on the Boards?

Perhaps the most worrying aspect of the Grizzlies vs Spurs contest was rebounding.

Memphis secured:

• 17 offensive rebounds
• Multiple second-chance scores in key moments

This came despite the Grizzlies being without key big men, including Zach Edey, making the imbalance even more alarming.

Former Spurs centre Jock Landale led Memphis’ rebounding effort, repeatedly exploiting weak box-outs and slow rotations.

San Antonio did collect 13 offensive rebounds themselves, but their failure to control defensive boards proved decisive late on.

What Does This Loss Mean for the Spurs’ Season?

This defeat raises uncomfortable questions:

• Can San Antonio survive poor shooting nights?
• Is their rebounding effort consistent enough against physical teams?
• Are they over-reliant on Wembanyama’s brilliance?

With the Western Conference remaining brutally competitive, margins are tight. Games like this, against weakened opponents, are expected wins. Dropping them could prove costly in playoff positioning.

UK-based NBA analysts have already flagged the Spurs as a “development-focused” side rather than a finished contender, and this match reinforced that narrative.

Key Match Stats