The Memphis Grizzlies just keep finding ways to beat the Clippers - and on Monday night, they did it for the third time in three weeks. But while the win was sweet, it came with a sour note: Ja Morant left late in the game after twisting his ankle. Still, Memphis had more than enough firepower to get the job done, thanks in large part to a breakout night from Cam Spencer and another strong showing from Jaren Jackson Jr.
Let’s start with Spencer, because what he’s doing right now isn’t just impressive - it’s borderline absurd.
Cam Spencer: The NBA’s Hottest Bench Weapon
Spencer dropped a career-high 27 points on 9-of-13 shooting, including a blistering 7-of-10 from deep. Most of that damage came in the fourth quarter, when he caught fire and helped blow the game wide open. With the Grizzlies leading by 20, the Clippers were effectively out of answers - and Spencer was the reason why.
This wasn’t a one-off performance, either. Over his last 10 games, Spencer is averaging 16.9 points and 5.2 assists while shooting a ridiculous 63.7% from the field and 63.6% from three.
And he’s doing it all in just 25.5 minutes a night. That’s not just efficient - it’s surgical.
Zoom in on his last five games and the numbers get even wilder: 19.4 points, 5.8 assists, 68% from the field, and 66.6% from three, all in under 28 minutes per game. He’s posted three 20+ point games in that stretch, including back-to-back explosions against the Jazz and Clippers.
Against Utah, he was perfect - 6-for-6 from the field, 6-for-6 from deep, and 2-for-2 from the line. That’s a stat line you almost have to double-check.
Over his last two outings, Spencer has hit 13 of his last 14 three-point attempts. That’s not just a hot hand - that’s a flamethrower. He’s taking heat-check shots and still cashing them in, like he’s playing a video game on rookie mode.
And here’s the kicker: Spencer is currently the only qualified player in the league shooting at least 50% from the field, 40% from three, and 90% from the free-throw line. That’s the elite shooting club - and he’s not just sneaking in, he’s kicking down the door.
More Than Just a Shooter
What makes Spencer’s rise even more valuable for Memphis is that he’s not just a scorer. He’s handling the ball, running the second unit, and making plays for others.
His assist numbers are trending up, and he’s showing the kind of feel you want from a lead guard off the bench. He’s not forcing the issue - he’s just making the right reads, over and over again.
That kind of two-way production - efficient scoring and smart playmaking - is rare, especially from a second-year player coming off the bench. But Spencer’s not playing like a second-year guy. He’s playing like a seasoned vet who knows exactly what his team needs and delivers it with confidence.
A Draft Steal Paying Off in Real Time
The Grizzlies grabbed Spencer with the 53rd pick in the second round - and it’s already looking like one of the best value picks in recent memory. Memphis has quietly built a strong track record in the draft, and Spencer is the latest example of that savvy. He’s gone from a late second-rounder to a key rotation piece on a team that’s still finding ways to win, even with key players sidelined.
Once the Grizzlies get back to full strength, Spencer’s role might shift a bit - but he’s made it clear he belongs in the rotation. He’s earning his minutes the hard way: by producing every single night.
The Bottom Line
The Grizzlies are banged up, but they’ve got something real in Cam Spencer. His shooting is scorching, his playmaking is sharp, and his confidence is through the roof. As long as he keeps playing like this, Memphis has a weapon off the bench that most teams just can’t match.
And if you’re wondering whether this is just a hot streak - well, it might be. But right now, it looks a lot more like a breakout.