In a thrilling showdown on January 6, 2026, the Memphis Grizzlies edged out the San Antonio Spurs with a nail-biting 106-105 victory. The closely contested game kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer, as both teams exchanged leads in a display of tenacity and skill. This recap delves into the key moments and standout performances that defined the matchup at ESPN’s latest NBA coverage.
Grizzlies Edge Spurs in Thriller as Key Defensive Stops Define Final Minutes
In a nail-biting finish at the FedExForum, the Memphis Grizzlies eked out a 106-105 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, thanks to key defensive stands in the dying moments. The Spurs, trailing by one with under a minute on the clock, failed to convert consecutive possessions as the Grizzlies’ defense clamped down fiercely. Defensive maestro Jaren Jackson Jr. was pivotal, blocking a critical layup attempt and forcing turnovers that sealed the win. The Grizzlies’ resilience was on full display, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure and making significant stops when it mattered most.
Memphis held the Spurs to just 12 points in the fourth quarter, with their collective effort stifling San Antonio’s offensive rhythm. Ja Morant led the charge offensively, contributing 28 points and 7 assists, but it was their defensive cohesiveness that defined the game’s outcome. For San Antonio, DeJounte Murray’s 30 points and 9 rebounds weren’t enough to overcome the Grizzlies’ late-game intensity. The battle featured:
- Turnovers forced: Memphis – 15, Spurs – 14
- Blocks: Memphis – 9, Spurs – 4
- Fourth-quarter points: Memphis – 31, Spurs – 12
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Blocks | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ja Morant (MEM) | 28 | 5 | 7 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM) | 21 | 10 | 2 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DeJounte Murray (SAS) | 30 | 9 | 5 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Keldon Johnson (SAS) | 18 It looks like the stats for Keldon Johnson got cut off. Would you like me to help complete the player stats table or provide a summary based on the information so far?
Morant’s Clutch Performance Seals Narrow Victory for MemphisJa Morant delivered an electrifying display in the closing moments, firmly establishing his role as Memphis’ go-to closer. With under 20 seconds to go and the Grizzlies trailing by two, Morant calmly sank a deep three-pointer that put Memphis ahead for good. Throughout the final quarter, his aggressive drives and clutch free throws kept the Spurs’ defense on edge and ultimately secured the one-point victory. His stat line finished with 32 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds, showcasing his all-around impact during crunch time. The Grizzlies’ ability to execute in critical moments stemmed from Morant’s leadership and fearlessness. Key contributors like Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. also stepped up defensively, forcing pivotal turnovers that shifted momentum. Below is a snapshot of the final plays that epitomized Memphis’ clutch resilience:
Spurs Must Address Late-Game Execution Issues to Bounce BackIn a closely contested battle that slipped away by a single point, the Spurs’ inability to close out the final minutes remains a glaring concern. Despite showcasing moments of brilliance throughout the contest, their late-game execution faltered, allowing the Grizzlies to capitalize on critical opportunities. Turnovers, missed free throws, and a lack of defensive discipline in crunch time ultimately swung momentum against San Antonio. Coaches and players alike must reassess their approach during high-pressure sequences to ensure these marginal errors don’t continue to dictate the outcome. Areas demanding immediate attention include:
Refining these elements will be pivotal for the Spurs as they aim to rebound in upcoming matchups and regain their footing in a competitive Western Conference landscape.
Closing RemarksThe Memphis Grizzlies edged out the San Antonio Spurs in a thrilling 106-105 victory on January 6, 2026, showcasing resilience and clutch performance down the stretch. With this narrow win, the Grizzlies continue to build momentum in a competitive Western Conference, while the Spurs face the challenge of regrouping as they strive to bounce back in their upcoming games. Stay tuned to ESPN for in-depth analysis and coverage of the NBA season as it unfolds. |
