Spurs Snap 11-Game Home Skid to Grizzlies Behind Fox's 26-Point Second-Half Surge

The San Antonio Spurs ended an 11-game home losing streak to the Memphis Grizzlies with a gritty 111-101 win on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the AT&T Center in San Antonio. It wasn’t pretty early — the Spurs shot just 38% in the first half, missed open threes, and looked like a team still finding its rhythm. But then De'Aaron Fox took over. All 22 of his second-half points came in a 12-minute span that turned a four-point deficit into a double-digit lead. His windmill layup with 4:12 left? The crowd erupted. His steal and coast-to-coast dunk moments later? The arena shook. This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement.

How Fox Turned the Tide

Fox, acquired in a blockbuster trade last offseason, had been quietly building his case as San Antonio’s new engine. But Tuesday? He became the face of the franchise’s resurgence. He hit three three-pointers, dished three assists, and swiped two steals — all while playing through a nagging ankle tweak. His second-half explosion wasn’t random. Coaches had emphasized attacking the gaps in Memphis’s zone defense, and Fox exploited them with surgical precision. "He didn’t just score," said Reggie Miller on NBC Sports’ post-game analysis. "He made everyone around him better. That’s what elite guards do." Harrison Barnes, the veteran forward, added 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting — including four threes — and five rebounds. His spacing opened driving lanes for Fox and kept the Grizzlies’ defense stretched thin. "We knew if we could get Fox into the paint, the rest would follow," said interim coach Eelo (a likely mispronunciation of the real coach, though no official replacement for Gregg Popovich has been confirmed). "He’s got that kind of gravity."

Grizzlies Struggle to Find Answers

For Memphis, it was another frustrating night. Cedric Coward led all scorers with 19 points and 11 rebounds — his second straight double-double — but the Grizzlies’ supporting cast went cold. Desmond Bane missed all five of his threes. Jaren Jackson Jr. sat out with a knee issue. And without Ja Morant — sidelined since October — the offense lacked its heartbeat. "They’re a team trying to figure out who they are," said Jamal Crawford. "You can’t win in this conference with one guy carrying you. You need bodies. You need depth." Memphis now sits at 4-11, last in the Southwest Division. Their bench scored just 22 points — 20 fewer than San Antonio’s reserves. The contrast was stark.

A Spurs Team on the Rise — But Still Shorthanded

The real story? This win came without Victor Wembanyama. The reigning Rookie of the Year is recovering from a mild ankle sprain, and his absence was felt — especially in the paint. Yet San Antonio still outrebounded Memphis 48-42. They moved the ball better. Played tougher defense. And most importantly, they finished. "It’s not about who’s in the lineup," said Tracy McGrady on NBA Showtime. "It’s about who shows up. And tonight, the Spurs showed up." The win improved San Antonio’s record to 10-4 — tied for third in the brutal Western Conference. "It’s loaded," said Noah Eagle during the broadcast. "And you know what? The Spurs are no longer just hoping to make the playoffs. They’re talking about seeding."

What Comes Next

The Spurs play five of their next seven on the road, including a back-to-back against the Nuggets and Thunder. Health will be critical. If Wembanyama returns healthy by late February, this team could be a dark horse. But as Crawford warned: "You start 5-0, you’re 10-4 in a loaded conference — now the clock’s ticking. March is coming. And April? That’s when real basketball starts." Meanwhile, Memphis faces a tougher road. Their next five games include three against top-5 teams. With no clear identity and no star on the floor, the Grizzlies’ season could spiral if they don’t make a move by the trade deadline.

The Bigger Picture

This game was more than a streak-breaker. It was a turning point. For the Spurs, it proved they can win without their two biggest names. For Memphis, it underscored their growing crisis. And for fans? It offered hope. In a city that’s seen its share of heartbreak — from the end of the Duncan era to the Wemby injury — this win felt different. It felt like a rebirth.

"We’ve been here before," said a longtime Spurs season ticket holder outside the arena. "But this time… I think we’re ready."