The San Antonio Spurs, led by presumptive Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama, beat the Grizzlies 102-87, Tuesday night. They spoiled a 13-game winning streak in the overall series by the Grizzlies and kept Memphis from sweeping the season series. It marked the Spurs’ first victory over the Grizzlies since December 2020.
It was the 50th starting lineup for Memphis this season, setting a record for the number of different starting lineups in a single season since the league began tracking data on starting lineups in the 1983-83 season.
Brandon Clarke made his first appearance as a starter since his return from injury, and became the 23rd different starter for the Grizzlies this season. This stat is even wilder when you consider that NBA rosters are limited to 15 players, barring injury exceptions, of which Memphis has had many this season. The Grizzlies were definitely outmanned Tuesday, fielding an eight-player roster against a 12-man Spurs roster.
Even taking into consideration their lack of manpower, it was a bad shooting night for the Grizzlies, who finished the night with just six three-pointers made. This squad, colloquially known as the Hospital Grizzlies, is literally limping to the end of the season.
San Antonio held Memphis 12 points in the third quarter on four of 24 shooting, erasing the one-point lead Memphis took into the second half and giving the Spurs a 16-point advantage going into the fourth quarter. It was the lowest-scoring quarter of the season for Memphis.
Victor Wembanyama and Julian Champagnie led the Spurs’ starting unit with 18 and 17 points, respectively. Wembanyama also had a game-high six assists and seven blocks.
Six of the eight players who took the court for the Grizzlies finished the night with double digits, including all five starters. Three players tied for the team-high scorer with 14 points each.
Brandon Clarke had 14 points, one rebound, one steal, and one block while shooting seven of 12 overall.
Trey Jemison had 14 points, nine rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block, and a perfect two of two from the free throw line.
Scotty Pippen Jr. had 14 points, seven rebounds, five assists, a game-high four steals, and one block.
GG Jackson finished the night with 11 points, four rebounds, two assists, and one block.
Jordan Goodwin added 10 points, and a career-high 19 rebounds. It marks Goodwin’s third career double-double. His 19 rebounds are the most pulled down by a player his height (6’3”) or shorter since 1990.
From the second unit, guard Zavier Simpson put up 12 points, three rebounds, five assists, and one steal.
Who Got Next?
The Grizzlies are back at it again tonight for the last road game of the season, facing off against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Tip-off is at 6 p.m. CDT.
