If you just looked at the final score, you’d think the January 6, 2026, matchup at FedExForum was just another Tuesday night grind in the NBA. It wasn't. The San Antonio Spurs vs Memphis Grizzlies box score tells a story of a game that felt more like a chess match with a frantic, messy ending. Memphis eked out a 106-105 win, snapping a brutal four-game losing streak in the process.
Honestly, the energy in Memphis was strange. Victor Wembanyama was back after a two-game absence, and he looked like he hadn't missed a beat. He dropped 30 points in just 21 minutes. That is efficiency that feels like it shouldn't be legal. But even with the "Alien" doing alien things, the Grizzlies found a way to win. It wasn't Ja Morant doing the heavy lifting this time—though his presence is always the engine. No, the night belonged to a guy named Cam Spencer.
The Stat Sheet That Defied Expectations
You’d expect the headline to be Wembanyama vs. Jaren Jackson Jr. Instead, the real hero was Spencer, who finished with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. He basically did everything but drive the team bus home. What really matters, though, is how those points happened. He scored five in the final 90 seconds. His 10-foot baseline jumper with about 36 seconds left ended up being the game-winner.
The Spurs had a chance. Of course they did. De'Aaron Fox, who has been a revelation for San Antonio this season, took a 15-footer with five seconds on the clock. It was the shot you want. But Santi Aldama—who is quietly becoming one of the most annoying defenders in the Western Conference—got a finger on it. Blocked. Game over.
San Antonio Spurs Key Performers
- Victor Wembanyama: 30 points on 10-of-20 shooting. He went 3-of-6 from deep and grabbed 5 boards. The 21-minute restriction was the only thing that saved Memphis from a 50-piece.
- Julian Champagnie: He was the secret weapon for the Spurs, chipping in 23 points and hitting five triples. When Wemby draws three defenders, Champagnie is usually the one making them pay.
- De'Aaron Fox: A rough night, frankly. He finished with 19 points but started 1-of-13. He nearly pulled off the heroics late, but the efficiency just wasn't there.
- Stephon Castle: The rookie is tough as nails but got into foul trouble early. He had 15 points before fouling out with three minutes left in the game. That hurt the Spurs' perimeter defense in the closing stretch.
Memphis Grizzlies Key Performers
- Cam Spencer: 21 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists. He was +12 on the night, the highest on the team.
- Jaren Jackson Jr.: 21 points and 9 rebounds. He matched Wemby's physicality as much as anyone can. He also hit five three-pointers, pulling Wemby away from the rim.
- Jock Landale: 19 points of pure grit. He’s the type of player you hate if he's on the other team but love on yours.
How Memphis Flipped the Script
The first half was all San Antonio. The Spurs went into the locker room up by 11, and it looked like Memphis was headed for their fifth straight loss. But the third quarter changed everything. Memphis came out and went on a 20-7 run.
They stopped trying to out-finesse the Spurs and started playing ugly. They crowded the paint. They forced turnovers—23 of them, to be exact. When you give up 23 turnovers, you’re basically begging to lose. The Spurs' offense, which usually hums, looked disjointed once Castle fouled out.
The betting world was probably sweating this one, too. The over/under was set at 237.5. The final total? 211. If you took the under, you were laughing all the way to the bank. Memphis was actually a +197 underdog on the moneyline, which makes this win even more of a statement for a team that has been struggling to find its identity lately.
What This Box Score Means for the Playoff Race
The Spurs are still in a great spot at 25-11, sitting near the top of the Western Conference. Losing a one-point game on the road isn't a crisis. But for Memphis (16-20), this was a lifeline. They’ve been hovering around the play-in tournament spots, and a win over a contender like San Antonio provides some much-needed confidence.
One thing that stands out from the san antonio spurs vs memphis grizzlies box score is the bench depth. Memphis got significant production from their secondary players while the Spurs relied heavily on their starters. As the season grinds into the later months, that fatigue is going to show.
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If you're looking at what to watch for next:
- Keep an eye on Wembanyama's minutes. The Spurs are clearly being cautious, but at some point, they'll have to let him loose if they want to secure the #1 seed.
- Cam Spencer isn't a fluke. His playmaking ability from the guard position is giving the Grizzlies a different look that teams aren't scouting for yet.
- Watch the Spurs' turnover rate. They are too talented to be coughing the ball up 20+ times a game.
The next time these two meet is March 25th back in Memphis. By then, the stakes will be even higher. For now, the Grizzlies can breathe a sigh of relief, while the Spurs will probably be watching film of those final five seconds on repeat.
To get the most out of these stats, pay attention to the "Four Factors" of the game. Memphis won the turnover battle and the offensive rebounding battle (17 to 11). In a one-point game, those extra possessions are the only reason the Grizzlies won. If the Spurs want revenge in March, they have to value the ball.