Memphis Grizzlies Stage Unbelievable Comeback, San Antonio Spurs Suffer Eighth Consecutive Defeat in NBA Battle
SAN ANTONIO — Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 27 points as the short-handed Memphis Grizzlies overcame a 19-point deficit and sent the San Antonio Spurs to their eighth straight loss, 120-108 on Saturday night.
Memphis outscored San Antonio 33-14 in the final quarter.
“Are we going to wait ‘til halftime,” coach Taylor Jenkins said. “Are we going to wait ’til some speech or anything like this? These are all the things that we know we are fully capable of. It’s everyone’s responsibility to do that and different guys did it throughout the second half.”
San Antonio rookie Victor Wembanyama finished with 19 points and 13 rebounds, and Keldon Johnson scored 22 points. The Spurs have not won since Nov. 2, when they held on to beat the Phoenix Suns after nearly blowing a 27-point lead.
“In general, I think you know, everybody’s really upset and, you know, everybody’s trying to do their best,” said San Antonio forward Cedi Osman, who had 13 points.
The Grizzlies were without Ja Morant (suspension), Marcus Smart (ankle), Luke Kennard (knee), Brandon Clarke (Achilles) and Steven Adams (knee). Clarke and Adams are out for the season after undergoing surgery.
Desmond Bane scored 26 points, and Santi Aldama and Ziaire Williams had 17 each for Memphis, which recorded its largest comeback of the season.
San Antonio led 94-87 entering the fourth quarter after Memphis trailed by 17 after the first half.
Memphis opened the fourth on a 24-5 run, including a layup by Bane off a missed free throw by Bismack Biyambo on a potential three-point play for a a 102-99 lead. Jackson had 10 points in the run.
Already undermanned, fouls made things worse for the Grizzlies in the first half.