The San Antonio Spurs proved they don’t need their franchise center to win — not by a long shot. On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, they outlasted the Memphis Grizzlies 111-101 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, in a gritty, emotionally charged performance that had fans buzzing long after the final buzzer. With Victor Wembanyama sidelined along with Stefon Castle and Dylan Harper, the Spurs leaned on veteran poise and explosive guard play. And no one embodied that more than De'Aaron Fox, who dropped 26 points, 3 assists, 3 threes, and 2 steals — all while playing through a physical, non-stop defensive effort from Memphis.
Without Wembanyama, the Spurs found a new identity
Everyone expected a struggle. Wembanyama, the 7’4” phenom and reigning Defensive Player of the Year, had been the anchor of San Antonio’s offense and defense. His absence — along with Castle and Harper — left the Spurs without three of their top four scorers. But instead of crumbling, they adapted. The offense became faster, more unpredictable. Harrison Barnes, the 33-year-old veteran, turned back the clock with 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including four clutch threes. His ability to stretch the floor opened driving lanes for Fox and Jamal Johnson, who finished with 18 points and a game-sealing steal in the final two minutes.
"They didn’t panic," said Jeremy, the Spurs’ longest-tenured player, now in his seventh season as a bench staple. "We knew the narrative. Wemby’s out. Grizzlies are bad on the road. But we didn’t play for the narrative. We played for each other." Jeremy, who had started 182 games over the last three seasons, came off the bench again — and hit 2-of-3 from deep. His quiet evolution from starter to glue guy might be the most underrated story in the league this season.
Grizzlies missing Morant, but not heart
The Memphis Grizzlies were missing their own cornerstone: Ja Morant. A broadcast transcript mistakenly referred to him as "Jean Rance," a clear misstatement that went viral on social media — but the real story was how Memphis fought. Without Morant’s elite playmaking, they leaned on perimeter shooting and transition offense. They led by six at halftime, and the third quarter was a rollercoaster. Fox scored 11 points in the period, including a signature pump-fake and step-back three that sent the Frost Bank Center into a frenzy. "Fox kick. Jones Garcia thought about it. Right back to De’Aaron pump. Patience. Fox drills it. A three ball," said CCB Network’s commentator, capturing the moment that flipped the game.
Even without Morant, the Grizzlies had moments. Jamal Johnson’s coast-to-coast dunk with 4:12 left cut the lead to 105-101. But San Antonio responded with a 7-0 run fueled by Barnes’ mid-range jumper and a block by rookie forward Malik Jefferson. Memphis finished 38% from three — a far cry from their 41% road average. They’re now 3-12 away from FedExForum this season.
Broadcast chaos and the over-the-air advantage
For fans watching, the broadcast experience was as unusual as the game itself. The matchup aired nationally on NBC and streamed on Peacock — but was not available on NBA League Pass, FanDuel Sports Network, or any local Texas channels. That meant most fans in Texas couldn’t watch on their usual platforms. The TSR Sports commentator, speaking live from his home in Connecticut, joked: "I’m not watching on my Roku. I’m not watching on Fubo or NBA League Pass. I’m watching over the air HD... I could be anywhere between 10, 20, 30 seconds ahead of you."
It was a rare moment of nostalgia — a game broadcast live over-the-air with near-zero delay. For older fans, it felt like the 2000s. For younger ones, it was a curiosity. The official NBA YouTube channel uploaded full highlights the next day at 0:16:46 UTC on November 19, 2025 — the same day TSR Sports uploaded their analysis at 2:49:28 PM UTC.
What this means for the Spurs’ season
This win improves San Antonio’s home record to 8-2 this season. More importantly, it proves they can survive without Wembanyama — a terrifying thought for the rest of the league. The Spurs are now 12-9 overall, sitting just outside the Western Conference playoff picture. Their next five games are all at home, against teams with losing records. The schedule, as the TSR commentator put it, "is fairly simple." But this win wasn’t about schedule. It was about identity.
Wembanyama’s absence forced the Spurs to become a team of multiple scoring threats, not just a one-man show. Fox, Barnes, Johnson, and even Jeremy — who’s now averaging 9.4 points off the bench — are all stepping up. The defense, ranked 14th in the league, suddenly looks more cohesive. And the confidence? It’s growing.
What’s next?
Wembanyama’s return timeline remains unclear. Team doctors have not given a date, but sources say he’s "progressing well" with rehab. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies head into a brutal five-game road trip, starting in Oklahoma City. Without Morant, they’re 0-6 in games decided by five points or fewer this season. The Spurs, on the other hand, will host the Orlando Magic on Friday — a team they beat by 18 points in October. If they win again, they’ll be just one game out of the playoffs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Spurs manage to win without Victor Wembanyama?
The Spurs leaned on De’Aaron Fox’s scoring, Harrison Barnes’ efficiency from deep, and a balanced bench effort. Jeremy, now in his seventh season, embraced his role off the bench, hitting key threes, while Jamal Johnson’s defense and transition play sparked crucial runs. The team’s ball movement improved, with 28 assists on 42 field goals — a sign of cohesion without their star center.
Why wasn’t the game available on NBA League Pass or local Texas channels?
The game was broadcast exclusively through NBC and Peacock due to a regional rights agreement that prioritized national over local distribution for this matchup. Local Texas channels and FanDuel Sports Network were blocked from airing the game, a rare move that confused many fans. The NBA confirmed this was intentional to drive viewership to its national partners.
What’s the significance of De’Aaron Fox’s performance?
Fox’s 26-point, 3-assist, 3-three-pointer night was his best since joining the Spurs in July 2025. He’s now averaging 24.1 points per game since the trade — the highest of his career. More importantly, he’s proving he can carry a team without Wembanyama, shifting from a complementary star to a true franchise leader in critical moments.
Why did the Grizzlies struggle so much on the road?
Memphis is now 3-12 away from FedExForum this season, largely due to poor shooting consistency and defensive lapses in hostile environments. Without Ja Morant, their offense stalls. They’re shooting just 36% on the road compared to 44% at home. Their bench also scores 8.3 fewer points per game away, a major factor in close losses like this one.
Is Jeremy’s bench role a sign of a larger trend in the NBA?
Absolutely. Veterans like Jeremy — who’s played 487 games for San Antonio — are increasingly valued as locker room leaders and situational shooters. The league is shifting toward depth over star reliance. Jeremy’s 89% free throw shooting and 38% three-point rate off the bench make him a perfect fit for modern spacing, even if he’s no longer a starter.
When will Victor Wembanyama return?
The Spurs have not announced a return date, but multiple sources indicate he’s progressing in rehab and could return by mid-December. He’s been cleared for light shooting drills and non-contact conditioning. His return will likely be gradual — first off the bench, then as a starter — to avoid re-injury risk.