Harrison Barnes was key against the Grizzlies (Photo via X)
The San Antonio Spurs were able to pull out another win by executing late in the fourth quarter. It was a close game versus the Memphis Grizzlies until a 12-2 run in the closing minutes gave the Spurs enough momentum to seize a 126-119 victory. The win at home improved San Antonio to a record of 14-6 on the season.
Stats: Spurs vs. Grizzlies
spurs grizzlies grades
Spurs vs. Grizzlies – Final Grades
De’Aaron Fox
The good: Fox hit 4-of-8 from downtown and 9-of-10 at the line. While he forced up a couple threes, he made the open ones and added to his efficiency by getting to the charity stripe a lot. Pouring in 29 points in 31 minutes is good work. Defensively, Fox was active and engaged. The bad: Fox was only 4-for-11 from two-point range. His playmaking was nothing to write home about and his decision-making could have been crisper.
Grade: B+
Devin Vassell
Vassell’s defensive intensity continues to impress. He also did good work on the boards and limited his mistakes on both ends. Offensively, he hit half of his shots from downtown but struggled inside of the arc. Considering that his midrange shots have been seemingly automatic lately, he was due for a few misses.
Grade: B-
Harrison Barnes
Barnes has been the difference between a win and a loss a handful of times this season. This game against the Grizzlies was the latest example. Barnes buried seven three-pointers on his way to 31 points. His assertiveness on offense keyed San Antonio’s attack and his production kept the Spurs afloat all night long. Barnes also passed the ball well and turned it over only once despite being in the thick of the action. Defensively, he was solid in all aspects of the game.
Grade: A
Julian Champagnie
For the second straight game, Champagnie was 1-for-6 from three-point territory. Versus Memphis, he did a good job of still playing hard even when he missed shots. His rebounding was legitimately strong again and he efforted out on the perimeter on defense. Hopefully Champagnie can get it going from deep soon because San Antonio’s offense runs a lot smoother when he’s on.
Grade: C+
Luke Kornet
This was a rough and tumble night at the office for Kornet. He took being hardnosed literally as he got hit in the face at least three times while attempting to guard the rim. Kornet’s determination paid off as he finished with five blocks in 28 minutes. Offensively, while his finishing wasn’t as reliable as usual, the seven-footer passed the ball extremely well and he was setting smart screens.
Grade: B+
Keldon Johnson
Johnson played a heady brand of basketball and, as a result, he was a vital part of the win. Offensively, he efficiently added 11 points to the total and he authored a number of wise passes. Johnson did a great job of being in attack mode while not being reckless. Defensively, he was reliably in the right spots and his aggression was palpable.
Grade: B+
Dylan Harper
Yep, this rookie is pretty damn good. In 21 minutes of action, Harper totaled 15 points, six assists and didn’t turn the ball over. Amazingly, he has zero turnovers in 73 minutes since returning from injury. Harper simply has a natural feel for the game and makes impeccable decisions with the ball. He looks great going to the rim but he can also be trusted to make the right pass at the right time. Defensively, he did a lot of good and almost never looks overwhelmed on that end.
Grade: A-
Jeremy Sochan
Better. Sochan missed his only three-point try but he was able to retain offensive value by converting all five of his two-point attempts. Add in stout rebounding, two steals and heightened ferocity and this was a good outing for Sochan — who is in desperate need of positives right now.
Grade: B+
Carter Bryant
In one of his better performances of the season, Bryant shot 2-for-3 from three-point land and played strong defense. His communication and alertness on defense are very advanced for a rookie. Bryant was undisciplined a few times on defense against the Grizzlies but it’s difficult to fault the effort.
Grade: B
Mitch Johnson
This was another strong fourth quarter showing engineered by the coaching staff. The Spurs held the Grizzlies to 21 points in the final stanza, with the defensive gameplan playing a role. Offensively, the playcalling was fruitful. The rotation also made a lot of sense.
Grade: B+