Two nights after they obtained humiliated off their very own courtroom in a second half blowout towards the Memphis Grizzlies, the San Antonio Spurs have been hoping to actual some revenge tonight. Sadly, despite the fact that Memphis was lacking Ja Morant to a sprained foot, not solely would revenge not be exacted, but it surely was principally the identical story however even worse: sustain within the first half however fizzle out within the second behind a horrid third quarter.
It was a defense-optional first quarter with each groups getting what they needed on offense. Memphis as soon as once more discovered success by drawing Victor Wembanyama away from the paint (though after they tried to assault him, they discovered through his six blocks on the evening), whereas the Spurs attacked in transition. Stephon Fortress continued his spectacular run with 10 factors within the quarter, 8 of which got here on transition dunks, Keldon Johnson got here in sizzling to hit two threes as a part of his 8 factors to assist offset a scoreless quarter from Wemby, and the Spurs have been up 29-27 heading into the second quarter.
The offense stored buzzing for the Spurs within the second quarter whereas Memphis briefly went slightly dry, forcing Taylor Jenkins to name a fast timeout. The Spurs obtained the result in double figures at 46-36 earlier than the Grizzlies fought again with a 13-2 run to retake the lead, principally with Wemby on the bench. The Spurs finally began matching tempo once more and buying and selling threes, and a few huge performs across the rim from Charles Bassey gave them a 64-62 level lead at halftime. Sadly, that might be the top of any good vibes.
The Grizzlies have been the recent staff to begin the third quarter, swapping in Santi Aldama, who was sizzling all evening with 29 factors, rather than Zach Edey, who was affected by a bloody nostril, and that opened up the ground up much more for them. After solely three shot makes an attempt within the first half, Devin Vassell labored exhausting to become involved within the offense and was capable of assist the Spurs sustain for some time with 15 factors within the quarter. Sadly, after the Spurs had briefly tied it up at 86 apiece, the Grizzlies went nuclear, hitting threes and driving proper by the gassed Spurs to the ring over and over. They scored the ultimate 16 factors of the quarter, and what had been a decent recreation all through was on the point of turning into a blowout.
It didn’t take lengthy for that to develop into the case within the fourth. The Spurs had nothing left in tank after chasing the Grizzlies tails all night and eventually emptied their bench with beneath 4 minutes left. They ended up shedding 140-112, giving up 78 second-half factors for the second recreation in a row whereas persevering with a tough January stretch the place they’ve misplaced 5 of seven video games.
Recreation Notes
There have been a few new hairstyles being sported right this moment. Julian Champagnie gave his fro a trim, whereas Jeremy Sochan, who was nonetheless out with again soreness (and badly missed, particularly on protection and the boards), had a brand new colour after the Grinch inexperienced, showing to go together with a darkish blue ombre.
The turd quarter has been alive and effectively for the Spurs these days. For the second recreation in a row, the Spurs surrendered 40 or extra factors to the Grizzlies within the third quarter, with 15 of them coming in transition. They’re already the quickest staff within the league by way of tempo, and the Spurs made all of it too simple by not speaking in transition, usually following gamers to the perimeter and leaving the rim vast open.
Talking of turd quarters, after blowing double-digit leads with terrible third quarters was an enormous downside for the Spurs final season, that they had principally been higher about it this season (they have been even one of the best third quarter staff within the league at one level). Nonetheless, they’ve been removed from excellent, and these days defending double-digit leads has just lately develop into an issue once more. Whereas this recreation solely barely meets that standards because the Spurs led by 10 for a whopping one possession within the second quarter, it nonetheless counts, and the Spurs have now misplaced 8 video games this season when up by 10 or extra factors. Think about how various things can be in the event that they have been 27-13 or near it as an alternative of 19-21…(Trace: they’d be tied for second within the West.)
One other huge downside for the Spurs on this recreation was turnovers. They’d 17 of them, ceding 24 additional factors that the Grizzlies didn’t want within the course of. Whereas that’s truly not probably the most horrible quantity, what made them irritating was so many have been unforced, both attributable to butterfingers, errant passes, or careless dribbling.
Play of the sport
Again when there was nonetheless hope and Devin Vassell was carrying the Spurs on his again in the course of the third quarter…
Up subsequent: Sunday at Miami Warmth
The Spurs can have a layover in Miami earlier than heading abroad to Paris for 2 video games. Jimmy Butler is again from suspension, however is that useful to the Warmth at this level? Hopefully not so the Spurs get again to profitable earlier than crossing the ocean.
