In a nail-biting finish, the Memphis Grizzlies, led by Jaren Jackson Jr.’s game-winning shot, clinched a 99-97 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, breaking their four-game losing streak during Friday’s NBA action.
“Absolute composure,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said. “Great poise from him and his teammates as well. I thought the spacing was pretty good on that possession. We wanted the last shot, and he pretty much got it right there at the end.”
The Spurs’ late-game surge tied the match at 97-all, thanks to back-to-back three-pointers within seven seconds, setting the stage for Jackson’s decisive seven-foot jumper with only 1.2 seconds remaining.
“Shoot, I just kind of blacked out and got to the spot I needed,” Jackson said. “Saw the clock for a second, didn’t check back because I knew if I looked again, I would get it stolen. I just wanted to get to a certain spot on the floor and raise up over him.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jaren Jackson Jr, Memphis Grizzlies, Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs Updates
Despite a fadeaway three-point attempt by Victor Wembanyama at the buzzer, Jackson’s shot sealed the win for Memphis.
“When he turned, I was like, there is not much I can do here because he’s going to shoot it from here, Jackson said as he stretched out his right arm and got on his toes. “Don’t foul him.”
Wembanyama’s performance was historic. It marked his 38th double-double of the season, and his statistical achievements joined an elite company.
“Actually, I remember having a thought in the first half that when we were up by a lot, I didn’t put the nail in the coffin,” Wembanyama said. “This is how I felt. I wanted to have a reaction because it doesn’t matter who is in front of us, we have to be the same way, to be as aggressive.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jaren Jackson Jr, Memphis Grizzlies, Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs Updates
Despite missing several key players due to injuries, Memphis found contributions across the board, with Scotty Pippen Jr. and Santi Aldama playing significant roles in the win. On the other hand, the Spurs struggled with their shooting, which Gregg Popovich highlighted as a critical factor in the loss.
“If you hold a team to 99, you should win a lot of games,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. “But if you give up 20 points on turnovers and shoot 18% (on 3-pointers), it’s going to make it tough on you. End of story. It had nothing to do with a play here, a play there. It’s about the whole thing together.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jaren Jackson Jr, Memphis Grizzlies, Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs Updates
The loss pressures San Antonio to avoid the worst record in franchise history while Memphis celebrates overcoming adversity and extending its winning streak against the Spurs.
