Julian Champagnie and the Spurs took down the Grizzlies (Photo via X)
The San Antonio Spurs were playing without Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper. Despite the immense talent on the sidelines, the Spurs were able to topple the Memphis Grizzlies by a final score of 111-101. While it was tight throughout, San Antonio ended the affair with a game-winning 11-0 run in the final 2:15.
Stats: Spurs vs. Grizzlies
spurs grizzlies grades
Spurs vs. Grizzlies – Final Grades
De’Aaron Fox
It was a tale of two halves for Fox. In the first half, he was bad. His defensive effort was sleepy and he was 1-for-7 from the field. Thankfully, Fox bounced back in a big way in the second half. In the final two quarters, he was 9-for-13 from the floor, including 3-for-5 from three-point range. His defense was also much improved. Fox’s leadership in the second half was palpable and his ability to break down Memphis’ defense gave the good guys a chance to win.
Grade: B+
Devin Vassell
The good: Vassell has recently handled more playmaking duties and the results can be seen in his elevated level of assists. His burst looks better than usual lately, which is allowing him to drive more productively on offense and make more plays on defense. The bad: While Vassell was 2-for-4 from deep, he was only 1-for-7 from two-point range. Scoring just ten points with so much offensive firepower on the sidelines was definitely a disappointment.
Grade: B
Harrison Barnes
Well, damn. Barnes put the team on his back down the stretch and guided the squad to the victory. A skyhook, a middy and a three-pointer down the stretch gave the Spurs the points they needed to finish off the Grizzlies. While the ending was great, it was actually a very balanced game by Barnes. He led both teams in scoring in the first half with 11 points. He played hard defense, flashed athleticism on both ends and simply played a smart, winning brand of basketball.
Grade: A+
Julian Champagnie
Champagnie was back in the starting five due to all the injuries. He did reasonably well. He didn’t shoot much but his accuracy was commendable. Defensively, he had a couple highlight plays but was generally a step slow.
Grade: B-
Luke Kornet
It was a strange night at the office for Kornet. He didn’t score and only totaled four rebounds. That said, he found ways to contribute. Defensively, he dealt with a lot of post ups and he held up well. His positioning on that end was also a plus. Offensively, while he didn’t score, his passing and screening were helpful to the team.
Grade: B
Keldon Johnson
Johnson was a big part of this win. His enthusiasm, hustle and energy were all contagious. He hit a three-pointer for the first time in what felt like forever — but, like usual, he excelled going to the rim. Johnson provided a scoring punch off the bench that was desperately needed. Add in his maniacal rebounding and his relentless effort for the ball and this was exactly what the doctor ordered.
Grade: A
Jeremy Sochan
Don’t look now but Sochan is actually making three-pointers. Defensively, this was likely his best effort of the young season. He rebounded well and he was sturdy when faced with contact. Offensively, he moved well, passed the ball well and he’s managing to space the court right now.
Grade: B+
Kelly Olynyk
Center depth is paying off for the Spurs. Olynyk was really impressive against the Grizzlies. He’s a great passer who sees the floor exceptionally well. Not only can he hit threes, Olynyk is sneaky good at driving to the hoop. Add in a nose for rebounds and good anticipation in passing lanes and this dude is proving to be high quality big man depth.
Grade: A
Carter Bryant
Hey, not bad. Bryant hit a three-pointer and then followed that up with a tip in. He’s raw but he’s being aggressive with his shot. Defensively, while he doesn’t always know where to be, his length and athleticism make life difficult for the opponent.
Grade: B+
David Jones Garcia
Jones Garcia only played seven minutes but he did really well. A natural scorer, he played a surprisingly well-rounded game. He broke down the defense a couple times in order to secure buckets for himself or a teammate. I was also really impressed by his intensity on defense.
Grade: A-
Lindy Waters III
Waters missed both of his three-point attempts but he played with confidence and gave effort in loose ball situations.
Grade: Inc.
Mitch Johnson
Any win when this short-handed is a good win. Johnson obviously said something to Fox at halftime to get him going. Looking for Barnes in the clutch paid immediate dividends. The rotation made sense and it was good that he found room for both Bryant and Jones Garcia to get a taste of real life NBA basketball.
Grade: A-