Wembanyama Dominates As Spurs Near West Top Seed

Rising star Victor Wembanyama powers the Spurs to a commanding win over the Grizzlies, pushing San Antonio closer to the West's top spot.

In a commanding performance, the San Antonio Spurs cruised past the Memphis Grizzlies with a 123-98 victory, led by Victor Wembanyama's impressive stat line of 19 points, 15 rebounds, and seven blocks. The Spurs showcased their depth, with Devin Vassell also contributing 19 points, and both Stephon Castle and Keldon Johnson adding 15 points each. Seven Spurs players finished in double figures, underscoring the team’s balanced attack.

This win marks San Antonio's seventh straight, putting them within striking distance of the Western Conference's top spot, just two games behind Oklahoma City. The Thunder's recent loss to the Boston Celtics snapped their 12-game winning streak, giving the Spurs a chance to close the gap.

Memphis, struggling with a four-game losing streak, was led by GG Jackson's 20 points, with Olivier-Maxence Prosper and DeJon Jarreau adding 17 and 15 points, respectively. The Grizzlies have had a tough stretch, dropping 12 of their last 13 games and securing only four wins since the All-Star break.

From the opening tip, the Spurs were in control, starting with a lob to Wembanyama that set the tone for an early 22-4 lead. By halftime, San Antonio was up 57-44, and they continued to build on their advantage in the second half.

Wembanyama's height was a key factor as the Spurs extended their lead to over 20 points in the third quarter. His three-pointer at the end of the third made it 98-64, effectively sealing the game.

Memphis, dealing with significant injuries, had ten players sidelined, including starters Ja Morant and Zach Edey, as well as key reserve Brandon Clarke. This left them undersized against the towering Wembanyama, who stood at 7-foot-4. The Spurs dominated inside, outscoring Memphis 56-34 in the paint and controlling the boards with a 59-33 rebound advantage.

Looking ahead, the Spurs will wrap up their three-game road trip against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night, while Memphis continues to focus on rebuilding for next season.