Key Takeaways
- The Wall: Victor Wembanyama recorded 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 blocks in just 27 minutes of action.
- Standings Shakeup: With their 7th consecutive win and a Thunder loss, the Spurs moved within two games of the #1 seed in the West.
- Total Dominance: San Antonio outscored Memphis 56-34 in the paint and held a massive 59-33 rebounding advantage.
MEMPHIS — Victor Wembanyama didn’t just guard the rim on Wednesday night; he owned it. The 7-foot-4 Frenchman swatted seven shots, anchoring a defensive effort that propelled the San Antonio Spurs to a 123-98 demolition of the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum.
Wembanyama’s Defensive Clinic Stifles Memphis
The Spurs wasted no time asserting their will. Wembanyama opened the game with a lob finish and immediately moved to the other end to erase two Grizzlies attempts in the first three minutes. San Antonio used an early 22-4 run to suck the life out of the building, eventually coasting to a 57-44 lead at the break.
Wembanyama’s final line—19 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 blocks—hardly reflects the psychological toll he took on the Memphis offense. Without star big man Zach Edey or Ja Morant, the Grizzlies had no answer for the Spurs’ length. Devin Vassell matched Wembanyama with 19 points, while rookie sensation Stephon Castle added 15 points and 9 assists, keeping the offense fluid as seven Spurs finished in double figures.
Memphis struggled to find a rhythm against the league’s best defense. GG Jackson paced the Grizzlies with 20 points, but the home team shot a dismal 41% from the floor. The rebounding margin told the real story: San Antonio bullied the smaller Memphis frontcourt for a 59-33 edge on the glass.
Box Score Highlights: Spurs 123, Grizzlies 98
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Blocks/Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victor Wembanyama | 19 | 15 | 7 BLK |
| Devin Vassell | 19 | 4 | 3 AST |
| Stephon Castle | 15 | 5 | 9 AST |
| GG Jackson (MEM) | 20 | 6 | 2 AST |
What They Said
“He affects as much of the game, in every single way, on both ends with or without the ball and what the other team tries to do… in my opinion, as much as any player I’ve ever seen.”
— Spurs Coach Mitch Johnson on Wembanyama’s performance
“Transition killed us. They were getting dunk after dunk after dunk. That’s a momentum killer.”
— Trey Jemison, Grizzlies center
The Race for the #1 Seed
This victory, paired with the Boston Celtics’ 119-109 win over Oklahoma City, has completely reframed the Western Conference playoff picture. The Spurs (55-18) are now just two games behind the Thunder for the top spot. Since February 1, San Antonio has played at an NBA-best 23-2 clip, looking every bit like a championship favorite.
San Antonio continues their road trip in Milwaukee on Saturday, while the reeling Grizzlies host Houston on Friday. With Wembanyama healthy and the rotation firing on all cylinders, the Spurs are no longer just a “spooky” young team—they are the most dangerous squad in basketball.
