Spurs vs Grizzlies: One-Point Thriller & Cam Spencer’s Heroic Night! 🏀🔥

Image Source :: Yahoo Sport

On January 6, 2026, the San Antonio Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies played one of the tightest, most gut-wrenching games of the NBA season so far. It wasn’t flashy early, but by the end, it had all the dramatic beats of a classic: big performances, momentum swings, clutch shots, and a finish that went down to the wire.

The Spurs vs Grizzlies matchup ended with Memphis pulling out a 106–105 victory in front of their home crowd. It was a one-point game that featured a late scoring surge from Cam Spencer, a big night from Victor Wembanyama, and a final defensive play that sealed the outcome. Reuters

Let’s break down what happened, how both teams played, what it means moving forward, and where you can catch a game like this next time.

Game Overview: A Tight Contest from Start to Finish

From the opening tip, this Spurs vs Grizzlies game felt like a chess match. The Spurs jumped out to an early lead, led by strong shooting and aggressive defense. Memphis, fighting to snap a four-game slide, struggled to open the game offensively but slowly found their footing. Reuters

By halftime, San Antonio was ahead, thanks in large part to contributions from Julian Champagnie and Stephon Castle. Victor Wembanyama, back from a short absence, added punch inside with efficient scoring. Pounding The Rock

But the third quarter swung things. Memphis opened with a 20-7 run that erased the Spurs’ lead. From there, it was back and forth. The Grizzlies leaned on a balanced lineup effort, while San Antonio tried to keep the edge with isolation scoring and controlled ball movement. Reuters

The final period was pure nail-biting basketball.

Cam Spencer: Stepping Up When It Counted Most

No single player was more pivotal in this matchup than Cam Spencer of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Spencer wasn’t the headline star going into the game, but by the end, he was the name everyone was talking about. He finished with 21 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, but the key was when he scored them. Reuters

With under two minutes left and the game tied or within reach for either team, Spencer delivered:

A mid-range jumper to put Memphis ahead.
A five-point run in the final moments that proved decisive.
Calm, confident playmaking that ignited the Grizzlies down the stretch. Reuters

On a night when the Grizzlies were shorthanded, Spencer took advantage. His impact was both physical and psychological: he found seams in the defense, rebounded on both ends, and finished at the rim with authority when the pressure was highest. It’s not often that a supporting player changes the narrative of a full NBA game, but Spencer did just that.

Spurs’ Big Night (With a Painful Ending)

This was also a night where the Spurs’ top guys showed up in the box score. Victor Wembanyama had 30 points in his return after missing games, while Julian Champagnie poured in 23. Stephon Castle contributed 15 more. Pounding The Rock

Here’s the rub about this Spurs vs Grizzlies matchup: San Antonio played solid, even excellent basketball for large stretches. Their offense hummed early, and their defense created turnovers that broke Memphis’s rhythm.

But execution faltered in the final moments. The Spurs built a small lead late, but missed opportunities—like an open look that could have sealed the game—shifted momentum back to Memphis. In the decisive play, De’Aaron Fox’s attempt at the final shot was blocked, securing the Grizzlies’ win. Reuters

It was the kind of ending that stings because San Antonio didn’t lose the game on a bad play—they just didn’t make enough of the ones that mattered.

Tactical Storylines: What Each Team Was Trying to Do

When you watch the game beyond the box score, a few themes jump out that say a lot about these teams right now.

Spurs: Offensive Versatility, Yet Inconsistent Execution

San Antonio’s offense doesn’t rely on one star player—it has options.

Wembanyama dominates inside.
Champagnie’s shooting keeps defenses honest.
Fox creates off the dribble.
Castle and others provide spark plays.

But execution is still a work in progress. The Spurs played solid basketball, but when the game tightened, a couple of awkward possessions and missed opportunities shifted the balance. Pounding The Rock

Grizzlies: Resilience and Opportunistic Scoring

Memphis came in banged up. Several starters were out, and that typically leads to offensive struggles.

Yet the Grizzlies found a way. They leaned on role players and balanced scoring rather than waiting for a superstar to explode. Spencer’s performance was exactly what a team needs when it doesn’t have its top options. Reuters

And defensively, the Grizzlies didn’t panic. They hustled for loose balls, contested shots, and made plays when it mattered most.

Why This Spurs vs Grizzlies Result Matters

A one-point game doesn’t just show parity—it reveals trends.

For the Spurs:

They have offensive firepower.
Wembanyama’s return was a major boost.
But closing games is still an area to improve.

This loss might sting, but the Spurs showed they can hang with anyone if they manage end-of-game situations better. Pounding The Rock

For the Grizzlies:

They showed depth.
They showed resolve without key stars.
They proved they can win ugly, grind it out, and still get the result.

That’s how good teams evolve: learning to win close games even when everything isn’t clicking.

Key Stats That Tell the Story

The final score, 106-105, barely scratches the surface of how tight this game was. Here are some telling numbers:

The Grizzlies outscored the Spurs by 11 in the third quarter, which erased San Antonio’s early lead. Reuters
Both teams shot poorly from three for long stretches, making momentum swings harder to control. Pounding The Rock
Turnovers were part of the script for Memphis, yet they still found a way to win. Reuters
Wembanyama’s efficient scoring (30 points) kept San Antonio in the game. Reuters

Those aren’t flashy metrics, but they illustrate a gritty, competitive performance that could have swung either way. It’s the kind of game coaches point to when they talk about “playing harder in the fourth,” and both teams did—just with slightly different results.

Where to Watch Spurs vs Grizzlies Games

If you’re wondering where to watch San Antonio Spurs vs Memphis Grizzlies next time, here’s how fans normally tune in:

TV Broadcasts: National games often air on major sports networks during the NBA season.
Regional Sports Networks: Both teams have local TV deals (for example, the Spurs and Grizzlies use regional networks within their home markets).
Streaming Options: League passes, cable streaming apps, and national services often carry live games.
Pre-Game Listings: Always check local listings for channels and start times before the game.

Broadcast arrangements can shift from season to season, but most games are easy to find on popular sports packages and NBA League Pass. The Times of India

Inside the Spurs vs Grizzlies Rivalry

San Antonio and Memphis don’t just play each other—they have a regional rivalry born from proximity (Texas vs Tennessee), similar fan bases, and competitive histories.

Over recent seasons, these games have swung back and forth. San Antonio has had wins where they controlled from the start. Memphis has had blowouts and close calls. Both teams match up athletically, allowing for high-tempo periods and intense defensive sequences that keep fans locked in.

This latest game simply added another chapter—one that could influence later matchups between these squads.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Each Team

Spurs:

San Antonio heads back home with some replaying to do in their minds. This was a game they had in hand for stretches but couldn’t close. How they rebound could define their next few weeks.

Grizzlies:

Memphis snapped a losing skid and did it without all their stars. That’s a confidence booster and one they can build on. They showed depth matters.

Both teams will learn from this game. That’s part of what makes the NBA compelling: tough losses can teach as much as sweep wins.

Fan Takeaways and Reactions

On Reddit and social feeds, fans called Spencer a breakout hero, celebrated Memphis’s resilience, and questioned coaching choices during late possessions. Some Spurs fans lamented the missed chances in the final minute. Others pointed to the experience Wembanyama gained being back in high-stakes action.

That’s exactly what close games do—they get everyone talking. Reddit

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who won the Spurs vs Grizzlies game on January 6, 2026?
The Memphis Grizzlies edged the San Antonio Spurs 106–105 in a close game highlighted by clutch plays late and balanced scoring. Reuters

2. How did Cam Spencer perform in the Spurs vs Grizzlies matchup?
Cam Spencer scored 21 points, including key baskets late in the fourth quarter, and also chipped in rebounds and assists, making a big impact in Memphis’s win. Reuters

3. Where to watch San Antonio Spurs vs Memphis Grizzlies live?
Games are typically broadcast on regional sports networks, national NBA TV partners, and streaming services like NBA League Pass and various cable apps. The Times of India

4. Did Victor Wembanyama play in the Spurs vs Grizzlies game?
Yes. Wembanyama returned from a brief absence and scored 30 points, providing a strong offensive presence for the Spurs. Reuters

5. Why was the final play significant in the Spurs vs Grizzlies game?
The final possession featured a blocked shot that ended San Antonio’s chance to win, sealing the Grizzlies’ one-point victory. Reuters

6. Did the Grizzlies snap a losing streak with this win?
Yes. The victory snapped Memphis’s four-game losing streak and gave them momentum heading forward. Reuters

7. How close is the Spurs vs Grizzlies rivalry?
While not a historic rivalry like some divisions, the Spurs and Grizzlies have had competitive matchups and geographic proximity adds extra edge to their games. Reddit