Spurs Fall to Grizzlies 128-109 Despite Wembanyama’s 27 Points

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The San Antonio Spurs began their Rodeo Road Trip with a 128-109 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night, despite a standout performance from Victor Wembanyama, who played through illness to score 27 points, grab 10 rebounds, and add five assists, two steals, and two blocks.

The Spurs were short-handed, missing Zach Collins, Tre Jones, and Sidy Cissoko, who were traded for De’Aaron Fox and Jordan McLaughlin. Fox and McLaughlin are expected to join the team in Atlanta on Wednesday. Wembanyama, visibly fatigued in the second half, still managed to deliver highlight-reel plays, including a logo three-pointer and a dunk off a steal by Stephon Castle.

Stephon Castle also shined, finishing with 21 points, six rebounds, and five assists. His chemistry with Wembanyama was on full display, including a spectacular alley-oop off the glass. Jeremy Sochan contributed 14 points and eight rebounds off the bench, while Chris Paul dished out eight assists despite scoring only three points.

The Grizzlies, led by Jaren Jackson Jr.’s 31 points and Zach Edey’s 16 points and 14 rebounds, exploited the Spurs’ defensive lapses. Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins praised his team’s strategy to keep Wembanyama moving and off-balance. “You’ve got to move (Wembanyama). He is one of the best defensive players in the game,” Jenkins said.

The Spurs, now 21-26, face an uphill battle to secure a playoff spot, likely through the Play-In Tournament. They will look to bounce back Wednesday against the Atlanta Hawks, where De’Aaron Fox is expected to make his Spurs debut.