When [the schedule came out](https://airalamo.com/nba-handed-spurs-schedule-mercy-desperately-needed), I took the time to go through it, looking for the most interesting matchups, storylines, etc. The same thing most of us do. When I saw the name "Memphis" on November 18, everything about the recent history between our two franchises came rushing back like being submerged in the Grand Rapids River.
If you remember correctly, the Spurs actually won the last game against the Grizzlies, but that's just not good enough for me because Ja Morant was not in the lineup. I know that pride cometh before the fall and ego will get you in trouble, but this is sports, man. If you don't have a little pride, then you're just doing it wrong, especially when you consider the dominance Ja has shown over our squad.
The Spurs have lost 11 straight games to Morant
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Memphis has the best record of any team in the league against the Spurs over the past five years. They've beaten the Silver and Black in 16 of 18 games. Considering that I just told you that they've lost 11 in a row to Ja, that means they've also lost five games to that team without him in the lineup. It's been a horrific matchup for San Antonio, but that should change now.
The Grizzlies' come-up coincided with our boys' fall from grace. They've taken advantage of that better than anyone else. Understandable considering what the Spurs used to do to their previous iteration during the Grit-N-Grind era. But now the tables are turning once again.
De'Aaron Fox is just one major part of the equation changing in this formula. No longer will Morant be able to somewhat coast on defense because all he had to worry about was an older Chris Paul, Tre Jones, or (yes, I'm going to say it) Josh Primo. Times have changed, and we're mighty thankful for it.
The team now has, not just Fox, but Stephon Castle [coming off his Rookie of the Year](https://airalamo.com/popular-nba-insider-finally-admits-spurs-fans-known-beginning) campaign, a guy who would have been the number one pick had Cooper Flagg not reclassified, in Stephon Castle, and Victor Wembanyama is about to enter his third year. Utter dominance is on the horizon, and the Grizzlies are due for a taste of San Antonio's flavor.
Not to mention, it would be nice to wipe that smug smile off Morant's face after he felt empowered by a "poster" over Wemby that wasn't actually a dunk. He threw it in, and it didn't count because there was a foul on the drive. Besides the November game, the Spurs will also get a chance to get licks in on December 2 at home before January 6 and March 25 games on the road.