Spurs vs. Grizzlies: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions

The San Antonio Spurs (14-20) play against the Memphis Grizzlies (14-14) at FedExForum

Game Time: 8:00 PM EST on Friday December 31, 2021

San Antonio Spurs 105, Memphis Grizzlies 118 (Final)

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Three takeaways from Memphis, where the Spurs jet took off at about the same time Beale Street started hopping:
Derrick White is one tough dude.
Tre Jones making most of increased minutes.
Keldon Johnson comes back to earth a bit.
expressnews.com/sports/spurs/a… – 12:32 AM Memphis Grizzlies PR @GrizzliesPR
The @Memphis Grizzlies signed DaQuan Jeffries to a 10-day contract under the NBA’s COVID-related hardship exception. pic.twitter.com/0g3RxVPi1m – 12:29 AM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Hard to believe the Grizzlies have six players, including four in the rotation, that are in virus protocols.
“They get after it defensively and are physical, and then offensively they push you, find the open man, move the ball well,” D White said. “That’s a good team.” – 11:49 PM Ziaire Williams @therealZiaire
“Enjoy your loved ones today because tomorrow is not Promised!” -2021
#LLTC5 #LLSD #LLTW #LLDS 🕊 – 11:33 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Leave it to dad-joke lover Derrick White to end the night with a “see you guys next year” crack. – 11:32 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
that feeling when you drop 30 for the third straight game 😂
@Ja Morant | #GrzNxtGen pic.twitter.com/2E6odrsaHj – 11:21 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Brandon Clarke repping the DB glasses in the post game presser 😂 pic.twitter.com/B6gf2my19y – 11:14 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Tyus Jones on his dynamic duo Brandon Clarke tonight: pic.twitter.com/nF7mOSOVY0 – 11:11 PM Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
For those who missed it:
Brandon Clarke’s new year’s resolution was “to make every floater that I shoot, make every dunk that I try, and bring the energy every night.” – 11:10 PM Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
“Felt like old times playing and matched up with …definitely added a little bit of fuel to the fire…It was definitely a good night. I got the final say.”
-Tyus Jones on playing against his brother and finishing with a season high 18PTS – 11:08 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
“We just stuck with it..” -Tyus Jones on slow(ish) start to the game tonight. “Keep shooting your shots with confidence, you have to continue to trusts in one another and the game plan.” – 11:07 PM Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Tyus Jones said playing against his brother tonight added fuel to the fire.
“It was a good night, and I got the final say.” – 11:07 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Tyus Jones said he and his brother Tre Jones planned to have a lot of family at today’s game but decided against doing so with the rise in COVID numbers. Tyus called this game more meaningful for himself and Tre since they both played more minutes. – 11:07 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Tyus Jones on taking on his little brother Tre Jones tonight: pic.twitter.com/ZMnHu5f2cV – 11:05 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Tre Jones on D White’s toughness:
“It seems like he is always getting something, getting hit in the mouth, losing a tooth, a lip, now the eye tonight. But he continues to come back, nothing can knock him out. He is super tough and that just speaks to who D White is.” – 11:04 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Derrick said he needed 4 stitches to close the cut over his left eye caused by his collision w/ Kyle Anderson in the 2Q.
“I’m all good,” he said. “I got a weak eyebrow, so it is what it is.”
He joked that Slo-Mo should have been tossed before saying, “That’s just basketball.” – 11:03 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
pov: after a win with @Jaren Jackson Jr. 😂 📱
#GrizzDub pic.twitter.com/eQnN5puCJB – 10:59 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Tre Jones on his brother Tyus, who had a season-best 18 points:
“When he is aggressive like that, I think he should be a starting point guard in this league….When he has that aggressiveness that he had tonight, he can be at any moment the best guard on the court.” – 10:57 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Grizzlies outscored the Spurs 72-48 in the paint, hitting 36 of 68. They also shot 38.5 percent from 3-point range (10 of 26). – 10:48 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
“If we play good defense, it fuels our offense and that’s when we’re the most dangerous.” – @Ja Morant #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/bgKzXSVkKO – 10:48 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
This was a game where Dejounte would have helped a lot, but Pop wasn’t making any excuses:
“He’s our runner. He’s the guy who makes it all go. But that’s neither here nor there. Every team has people out. The Grizzlies had people out too.” – 10:44 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Pop on Grizzlies:
“There is a reason they’ve got 20 wins or whatever it is. They were aggressive at both ends, they come ready to play, they believe in what they are doing. They believe they are one of the better teams in the league, and it shows.” – 10:42 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Pop liked how the Spurs bounced back from their 9-0 start but that the 5 turnovers in the 3Q was a killer against a team that can do so much damage in transition. – 10:41 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
“I got 4 stitches,” said Derrick White of the injury to his eyebrow area from the elbow of Kyle Anderson on a drive in the paint. – 10:40 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
toast to a new year @San Antonio Spurs pic.twitter.com/ZAlMEAUBSf – 10:39 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Coach Jenkins talks about the Grizzlies third quarter success in the month of December:
(Shoutout to @StatsSAC for the question) pic.twitter.com/IIyElE8wet – 10:38 PM Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
This Ja Morant guy is pretty good, huh?
He stars again in a win over the Spurs, becoming the fourth Grizzlies player to score 30+ in three straight games.
And Brandon Clarke played great, too.
dailymemphian.com/section/sports… – 10:35 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
“The Grizzlies were tough tonight. They played well for more of the 48 minutes than we did.” – Coach Pop on Memphis.
Pop said Memphis showed on both ends why they’re one of the top teams out West with more than 20 wins. – 10:30 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Quick Recap: Grizzlies end 2021 with a W, defeat San Antonio 118-105 https://t.co/7B3MGtIQBh pic.twitter.com/ZOJ8PaVFi8 – 10:27 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
The Grizzlies matched the opponent season high for paint points with 72.
The Lakers also scored 72 paint points in a game against the Spurs’ defense earlier this season. – 10:27 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
Up next, Detroit pic.twitter.com/Nn8tBOAHgU – 10:26 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Steven Adams also dropped 12 points and 13 rebounds. He was huge on the boards tonight for the Grizzlies. – 10:24 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
another one. Grizz dub. pic.twitter.com/6uGHhCEYUI – 10:22 PM Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
Ja Morant has three-straight 30-point games, tied for the longest streak in Grizzlies’ history with the Marc Gasol, Paul Gasol and Bryant “Big Country” Reeves. Memphis enters 2022 with a 22-14 record. pic.twitter.com/x32umXTqVM – 10:20 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Grizzlies win their fourth game in a row. Taking down the Spurs 118-105 at FedEx Forum.
Ja Morant goes big once again with 30 points, and 8 assists.
Tyus Jones contributes 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.
#GrzNxtGen – 10:19 PM Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
Season high night for Tyus Jones (18PTS)
Season high night for Brandon Clarke (9 REB)
Season high night for Jaren Jackson Jr. (11 REB)
Tied Season high night for @Memphis Grizzlies (11 blocks)
GRIZZLIES defeat Spurs 118-105! – 10:18 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Grizzlies win 118-105 against the Spurs. That’s four straight. Another 30 points for Ja Morant. JJJ gets his first double-double this season. – 10:18 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
The Spurs fall to the Grizzlies by 13 points.
The Spurs are now…
…14-20 overall
…7-10 on the road
…8-15 against the West
…5-5 in their last 10 games pic.twitter.com/lyQImxrCfI – 10:17 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Spurs start their seven-game road trip and close the year with a 118-105 loss to the Grizzlies. With their second loss in a row, the Spurs fall to 14-20.
They’ll try to regroup Saturday night in Detroit. The COVID-depleted Pistons fell 144-109 to the Spurs this past Sunday. – 10:16 PM Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
Ja Morant: 40% 3-point shooter this season pic.twitter.com/J9S9ScMoz9 – 10:16 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Ja Morant checks out to a standing ovation at FedEx Forum.
30 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds.. All-Star. – 10:14 PM StatMuse @statmuse
Ja Morant 30-point games:
9 — This season
9 — First two season combined
He’s also missed 12 games this season. pic.twitter.com/FWRs0vPQXe – 10:14 PM Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
Ja Morant checks out of the game.
He finishes with 30PTS, 6 REB, 8 AST and a perfect 3-3 from behind the arc. – 10:14 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
we convinced @Ja Morant is left handed 😂 pic.twitter.com/RUyfmsMejN – 10:13 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
“Let’s Go Grizzlies!” Chant breaking out once again at FedEx Forum. – 10:11 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
3rd straight 30 burger for @Ja Morant
#NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/EBh17zmK4C – 10:08 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
it starts with stones. it ends with stones 😂 pic.twitter.com/tDz7pY5tJ4 – 10:07 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Tyus Jones has been so solid tonight for Memphis 16 points, 4 reb, 4 assists on 7/12 shooting.
Grizzlies 108-93 with 4:57 remaining in the 4th. – 10:06 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Tre Jones has a career-best 13 points on 5 of 6. – 10:04 PM Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
Tyus Jones with the big smile after that three! He knew he had it. – 10:03 PM Matthew Tynan @Matthew_Tynan
Spurs just lack an extra gear without Dejounte springing around all over the court on both sides of the ball. Probably a good move to get the bench guys in at this point to see if they can create a surge like they did the other night against the Jazz. – 10:03 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
float game crazy.
13 points off the bench for @Tyus Jones pic.twitter.com/KOatrJNyI6 – 10:01 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Eubanks and Primo checking in with 7:56 left and the Spurs trailing 103-85. – 10:00 PM Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
If Ja Morant scores another bucket, it would be the first time in his career he had 30+ points in 3 straight games. – 10:00 PM Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
The famous floater by Tyus Jones! He’s got 13 PTS off the bench and 6-9 FG right now. – 9:59 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Tyus Jones on his way to securing bragging rights over younger brother Tre with 13 points on 6 of 9 and 4 assists. – 9:59 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Grizzlies push their fourth quarter lead to 18 on a Tyus Jones floater.
Memphis leads San Antonio 103-85. Grizzlies on the verge of their fourth straight dub. – 9:59 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
Spurs in last 3 games without Murray:
Led by 39 vs Detroit
Fell behind by 18 to Utah
Fallen behind by 18 @ Memphis – 9:59 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
12 left to play pic.twitter.com/RjeMKlHEl4 – 9:57 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
14th 15 point deficit of the season for the Spurs.
San Antonio enters 1-12 when down by 15 points – 9:56 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Desmond Bane to start the 4th.. pic.twitter.com/3KUjYCxpbM – 9:53 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
IT’S CLOSING TIME.
We lead 90-78 headed into the final quarter.
📺 @GrizzOnBally | 📻 @929espn pic.twitter.com/qzYxS0PBCO – 9:53 PM Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
Grizzlies outscored the Spurs 27-18.
22 of those PTS came from inside the paint! – 9:51 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
2 dribbles and he gone 💨 pic.twitter.com/GkJVj2OcKD – 9:51 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Tough night for Keldon Johnson, who came in as the league’s most accurate 3-point shooter.
He’s missed 10 of 12 from the field, including 5 of 6 from beyond the arc. – 9:51 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Spurs trail 90-79 after being outscored 27-18 in 3Q.
Ja Morant is up to 28 points on 11 of 16 in 27 minutes. He also has 6 assists. – 9:51 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
3Q: Grizzlies by 11
MEM take the 3Q 27-18
MEM winning paint by 22 points
Spurs winning 3PT line by 6 and FT line by 5 pic.twitter.com/u81anBxvEI – 9:51 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Grizzlies only allow 18 third quarter points from San Antonio. Memphis outscores the Spurs 27-18 in the third and carry a 90-79 lead into the fourth.
Morant has 28 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds. – 9:50 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
The Grizzlies are playing at an insane pace tonight and thriving. Showing they can control games in deferent ways. Completely flipped that third quarter around after the Spurs started on a 7-0 run. – 9:49 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
The Grizzlies are dominating the paint battle, winning it by 22 points.
They’ve done a better job in the 2nd half of not putting San Antonio on the FT line.
Grizz by 11 – 9:49 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
a double double through 3 quarters @Jaren Jackson Jr.
12 points // 11 rebounds.
#NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/bn5VchRQXm – 9:49 PM Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
What a night for Brandon Clarke! – 9:48 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
The Spurs have trailed by double digits in 62% of their games this season.
SA enters 2-18 when down by 10 points. – 9:47 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
The Grizzlies as a whole have ramped up their activity level in this third quarter on the defense side of the floor. – 9:47 PM Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
This has been an awesome effort from Brandon Clarke tonight. He’s battling for everything. – 9:43 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
that’s a dime. oh that’s a dime 🥽
@Ja Morant | @Desmond Bane pic.twitter.com/hZ8r6JyYVf – 9:42 PM Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Jaren Jackson Jr. has his first double-double of the season. – 9:41 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Thad Young getting ready to check in. – 9:36 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
show n go special + 1.
@Desmond Bane x #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/0RbDNamXw9 – 9:35 PM Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Jaren Jackson Jr. 2-for-10 from the floor and Bane 0-for-6 from 3 is not the winning formula. Very uncharacteristic from those guys. Still time to shake it off. – 9:32 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
3⃣ things we’re taking into 2022…
Jak Blocks, Derrick Dimes and KBD Slams pic.twitter.com/TN2U8SBcca – 9:32 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Desmond Bane was shooting 9-30 in the last two games before he made that last shot. The Grizzlies will probably need more from him in the second half. It’s been a struggle since his 32 against the Suns. – 9:32 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
15 points now for Derrick White to lead the Spurs pic.twitter.com/uuJzJ6jPfv – 9:31 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Timeout Memphis. Spurs with a quick 7-0 run to start the second half. – 9:27 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
views from Beale St. 📸 pic.twitter.com/yTPs4grzoA – 9:26 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Derrick White is back on the court warming up after getting the cut over his left eye patched up. He’s sporting a black bandage over the wound. – 9:23 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Tre Jones is a point shy of matching his career high of 12 points (twice, most recently against Denver on Dec. 11). – 9:14 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Ja Morant is 12-15 from 3-point range in the last three games (with a half to go). In the first three games back from his knee injury, he was 1-8 from deep.
Right now, 12 is en Fuego. pic.twitter.com/B807YLqjvp – 9:14 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Spurs trail 63-61 at the break.
The hold-the-fort point guards, Derrick White and Tre Jones, lead the Spurs with a combined 21 points.
Facing his brother much of the time, Tre has 11 points on 4 of 4 and 3 assists. – 9:13 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
quick intermission. pic.twitter.com/UZ3lIGm3wX – 9:13 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
The Grizz took away one of the Spurs’ strengths (the paint) in the first half, but SA stays close with efficient shooting from three and being aggressive in getting to the FT line pic.twitter.com/n5WsB6xNS1 – 9:12 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
keepin it close at the half pic.twitter.com/l8UMqzWTix – 9:11 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
BIG BODY 12 💪
20 points in the first half for @Ja Morant.
#NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/pK6b83Zrwe – 9:11 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Halftime: Grizzlies lead Spurs 63-61
The pace is favoring San Antonio but Memphis is still leading. Ja Morant is continuing to shoot out of his mind from 3-point range. He has 20 points and is 3-3 from downtown tonight. – 9:11 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
Half: Grizz by 2
Spurs take the 2Q 35-31
MEM winning paint by 12 points
Spurs winning FT line by 7 points pic.twitter.com/Yg2INAmwgx – 9:10 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Ja Morant drops 20 points in the first half, and leads the Grizzlies to a 63-61 halftime lead. pic.twitter.com/8TyPaY16aw – 9:10 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Thad Young, a former McDonald’s All-American from Memphis’ Mitchell H.S., has played in more games, logged more minutes, scored more points and hit more shots than any Memphis area hoops product, according to an April 2021 story in the Memphis Commercial. – 9:09 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
11 first half points for Tre Jones to lead the Spurs in scoring
6 paint points, 3 points from outside, 2 FT points
His brother Tyus has 5 points for MEM right now – 9:08 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Ja Morant is FEELING himself from deep 🎯 – 9:08 PM Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Morant Island is not the place you want to be if you’re a Spurs defender tonight – 9:08 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
With that last bucket, @Ja Morant has reached 3,000 career points.
#NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/xVBSO8qoTo – 9:07 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
I’m loving the Killian Tillie minutes. He’s that dude. – 9:06 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Thaddeus Young checking in for the Spurs. Mitchell High school legend.
Fun fact: We played for the same youth football team. (Different age groups of course) – 9:06 PM Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Ja Morant is 8-of9 from 3 in his last two games. 💰 – 9:06 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
Basketball Jones 💙 pic.twitter.com/5nHT5TuXPg – 9:04 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Thad, shakes off the cobwebs, to get some run in his hometown. – 9:04 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
D White is back in the locker room getting stitches to seal that cut over his left eye courtesy of Kyle Anderson’s elbow. – 9:02 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
DAT BANE TRAIN GOT DOWNHILL 🚂 pic.twitter.com/HiMz42OmPV – 8:59 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
Pull up, SPLASH 💦
@Bryn Forbes pic.twitter.com/oE5FIABaYh – 8:59 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Tyus Jones drills the corner three in little brother Tre’s eye. Grizzlies lead. – 8:57 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
10 points for Derrick White in the first half
He has to exit the game again though after his wound wasn’t secured and blood began dripping down his face – 8:55 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Derrick White has a bandaid over his left eye but blood is still coming down the side of his face. He’s being taken to the locker room now – 8:55 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Bane not shooting well at home this season is weird… – 8:54 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
Slight work for Derrick on the inside 💪 pic.twitter.com/13o2b1uipr – 8:54 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Flagrant 1 called on Kyle Anderson for his reckless elbow. Derrick, with a bandage over his left eye, has just returned from the locker room to shoot the free throws. – 8:48 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
12 has the ball on a string frfr 🥷
@Ja Morant x #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/09hAI67l5j – 8:47 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
11 points in 6 min for @Brandon Clarke 🔥 pic.twitter.com/POzfUMldGW – 8:45 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
A Kyle Anderson eurostep results in an elbow and some blood coming from Derrick White’s eye. Anderson went up to apologize to White. Call being reviewed for a flagrant. – 8:44 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Yeah, Slo-Mo drilled Derrick White with that right elbow. – 8:43 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Derrick White with blood flowing from a cut above his left eye courtesy to absorbing that charge from former Spur Kyle Anderson.
Anderson checked on White as he headed to the Spurs bench.
The call is under review. – 8:43 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
11 points in the first half for Brandon Clarke
He was selected 21st in the 2019 NBA draft by Memphis – 8:41 PM Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
Brandon Clarke with 11 PTS off the bench and there is 11:19 left in the 2nd qtr 👀 – 8:41 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
first quarter wrapped up.
we lead 32-26 after the first 12.
@Ja Morant leads with 10 points. pic.twitter.com/8nQhHdGTsB – 8:40 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
after 1⃣ pic.twitter.com/sESTMEeCPL – 8:39 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
1Q: Grizz by 6
Morant 10 pts | McDermott 6 pts
Clarke 8 pts, Adams 6 pts
MEM winning the paint by 12 points – 8:38 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Spurs trail 32-26 at end of 1Q. Ja Morant with 10 points on 4 of 6. – 8:38 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
The Grizzlies start strong, and finish the quarter strong as well.
Ja Morant leads the Grizzlies with 10 points.
Steven Adams also has 6 points and 5 first quarter boards.
Memphis leads San Antonio 32-26 at FedEx Forum. – 8:38 PM Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
That was a cool Tyus and Tre Jones moment! – 8:37 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
a real strike 🎳
@Steven Adams x @Desmond Bane pic.twitter.com/z1UwX53kKJ – 8:36 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
WELCOME BACK SANTI 🗣 – 8:31 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
Lonnie for 3⃣!!!
Spurs have 4⃣ triples on the night 👏 pic.twitter.com/zKaucQSjJK – 8:30 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Killian Tillie Defensive Player of the Year votes are going to be wild. – 8:30 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
the fastest end to end with the rock in his hand.
@Ja Morant x #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/Fx0tfOptPf – 8:29 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
10 point first quarter for Ja Morant pic.twitter.com/ZCuUcMEyGi – 8:29 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Steven Adams would’ve been a good volleyball player – 8:27 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Morant, Clarke, Tillie, Bane, and Adams on the floor for Memphis following the timeout – 8:27 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
McDermott’s 2nd triple of the night makes it 18-18. After falling behind 9-0, Spurs used a 13-2 run to pull ahead briefly. – 8:24 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
First game back from an ankle injury, Santi Aldama was set to check in with Brandon Clarke before Taylor Jenkins pulled him back. Looks like he will get some playing time today. Grizzlies need some minutes with Xavier Tillman in health and safety protocols. – 8:24 PM Atlanta Hawks PR @HawksPR
Skylar Mays has 13 points, the most in his career in a first half …The most he’s scored in either half is 20 (second half, 2/12/21 vs. San Antonio). – 8:24 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Steven Adams makes that back door pass look so effortless. – 8:22 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
that Derrick feed to Jak 🙌
#GoSpursGo pic.twitter.com/hCCHpSZ2G7 – 8:22 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
FEED THE BIG KIWI 🥝
6 quick points for @Steven Adams pic.twitter.com/rPZknyk9ME – 8:21 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
👌 @Derrick White 👌 pic.twitter.com/h5Y0o8giMG – 8:21 PM Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
7 of the Grizzlies 14 PTS have come off of 3 offensive rebounds. – 8:21 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
No one should be shocked, but following a Coach Pop timeout, the Spurs have bounced back.
Spurs on a 13-2 run. Jenkins letting his guys play… – 8:21 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Steven Adams’ dominance has been one of the biggest reasons the Grizzlies have won three in a row. I’m confident in saying he is one of the strongest players in the NBA. He just casually moves people out of the way. – 8:20 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Pop calls Ja Morant a “special talent” with “uncommon speed”:
“He’s getting to the rim constantly, and no matter what you seem to do against the guy, he gets there. But he also has a little mid-range game with his floater and he’s starting to shoot the 3-ball well.” – 8:18 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Morant floater pushes Grizzlies to a 9-0 lead, forcing a timeout from Pop. – 8:16 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Grizzlies off and running early!
Memphis starts on a 9-0 run here at FedEx Forum forcing a Coach Pop timeout. Steven Adams has been everywhere.
(We need more GIFs of Adams in Grizzly gear) pic.twitter.com/w9JLM4ZfnD – 8:16 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
Grizzlies open the game 9-0.
Memphis with 3 of their 6 boards from the offensive glass
MEM up 6-0 in the paint – 8:15 PM Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
9-0 Grizzlies quickly. Steven Adams is a rebounding beast. – 8:15 PM Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
So far so good…
Grizzlies up 9-0. – 8:15 PM Clay Bailey @claybailey9
This early timeout brought to you by San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich and a 9-0 Memphis lead. – 8:14 PM Lang Whitaker @langwhitaker
Who scores first, the Spurs or Michigan? – 8:14 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
oh yeah lets finish the year strong 🙅
📺 @GrizzOnBally
📻 @929espn pic.twitter.com/BnH79VWlme – 8:13 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Early start for Steven Adams 💪
4 quick points from the Big Kiwi and Memphis off to a 4-0 start – 8:12 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
NYE Starters 🎇
#GoSpursGo pic.twitter.com/GgrziSp63j – 8:07 PM Clay Bailey @claybailey9
Here are your starters for the Grizz vs. Spurs: SAS: Poeltl, McDermott, Keita Bates-Diop, Keldon Johnson, Derrick White.
MEM: Ja, Desmond Bane, Adams, Kyle Anderson and Jaren Jackson Jr. – 8:06 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Ja Morant’s Kobe 6s to go with the Memphis Grizzlies City Edition jerseys are tuff 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/8xY9uT310f – 8:05 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
first five out vs. @San Antonio Spurs
🥷 @Ja Morant
🪣 @Desmond Bane
@Kyle Anderson
🦄 @Jaren Jackson Jr.
🥝 @RealStevenAdams
@Verizon | #GrzNxtGen pic.twitter.com/YeofZJgPHm – 8:02 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
Let the NYE fun begin! 🎉 Enter the Spurs Digital Arena pres. by @SociosHoops for your shot at a Spurs autographed ball! pic.twitter.com/dVQIDYh11M – 8:01 PM Clay Bailey @claybailey9
A return to Grizz coverage on New Year’s Eve, and here are your officials for tonight’s matchup with the San Antonio Spurs — Sean Corbin, Leon Wood and J.D. Ralls. I’m sure @badunclep wishes them the best in their New Year’s Eve endeavors. – 7:51 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
it’s almost that time…….
before we tip hit the RT to vote @Ja Morant for #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/DGzWFvwwh2 – 7:43 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
It’s never too late for Christmas wishes 🙌
#PorVida pic.twitter.com/lUTi56zm7u – 7:38 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
1⃣2⃣ has arrived..
@Ja Morant | #NBAAllStar 🥷 pic.twitter.com/Mh2fM98g6k – 7:25 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
Lonnie is available for tonight’s game per Spurs – 7:21 PM Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Also, tonight is the Daniel Oturu #RevengeGame … he was thrown in the Eric Bledsoe trade, a transaction that ensured that none of the four players involved (Patrick Beverley, Rajon Rondo) actually played a game for the Memphis Grizzlies
Oturu is one of nine Raptors off bench. – 7:16 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
It’s crazy to think that nearly three months in to the 2021-22 season and this is the first time Memphis takes on San Antonio this season.
Weird.. – 7:08 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
a @Desmond Bane memior: smiles and buckets pic.twitter.com/jAH2eOaCLT – 7:01 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
HEAD TAPS.
ft. @Jaren Jackson Jr. pic.twitter.com/fMf1L0ohaQ – 7:00 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Gregg Popovich with some lofty praise on Ja Morant.
“He’s get to the rim as easy as anybody I’ve ever seen.” pic.twitter.com/loX3Vn2jPZ – 6:53 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
“If he continues to do as well as he’s doing, he will join us at some point on the trip.” – Coach Pop on Dejounte Murray, who is currently in health and safety protocols. – 6:49 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
Be like BC and get your DB glasses at tonight’s game 😎 pic.twitter.com/P71C80EqzV – 6:47 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
last business trip of 2021 👔
#ULTRADrip | #GoSpursGo pic.twitter.com/byUmqlCwJv – 6:45 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
vamp bros 💧
@cintronworld | #GrzNxtGen pic.twitter.com/sHAKXImkyK – 6:32 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Santi Aldama just began his warmup and is questionable ahead of tonight’s matchup with the Spurs.
“Santi is doing everything he can to be ready for us..” – Taylor Jenkins pic.twitter.com/tGy9YstpX4 – 6:30 PM Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon has been officially hired as the new head coach of the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces: pic.twitter.com/UdxP4Nx2Bf – 6:29 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
The Big Kiwi gets warmed up ahead of tonight’s matchup with San Antonio pic.twitter.com/gLYagh32qB – 6:28 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
More from Becky:
“I have so many incredible memories and proud moments in San Antonio from my time with both the Stars and the Spurs. From the fans and players to coaches and staff, everyone in the organization has treated me so well for so many years…” – 6:26 PM RJ Marquez @KSATRJ
JUST IN: Statement from Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich on Becky Hammon being named new head coach for WNBAs Las Vegas Aces. Quote in here from Becky as well. #KSATsports #Spurs pic.twitter.com/vvhDrn9nQu – 6:26 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Coach Jenkins New Years Resolution isn’t what you’d normally expect, but for Jenkins it’s not shocking.
Memphis is extremely lucky to have Coach.. pic.twitter.com/VzaPl5edxU – 6:26 PM RJ Marquez @KSATRJ
BREAKING: The Las Vegas Aces have officially announced the hiring of Spurs assistant Becky Hammon as the organizations new head coach. Hammon is expected to remain on the Spurs staff through the end of the season. #KSATsports pic.twitter.com/ql3TEMaSHG – 6:23 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
“Number 1, it’s the pace that they play at. White’s playing really well, Johnson’s playing really well.” – Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins on the Spurs.
Jenkins also mentioned Poeltl, McDermott, and Forbes as players the Grizzlies defense has to be prepared for – 6:21 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
Congrats, Becky!
#PorVida pic.twitter.com/5hfeSKIcXZ – 6:13 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
More from Nancy Lieberman on the Aces hiring Becky Hammon:
“(The Spurs) gave her an extraordinary opportunity. She learned from a legend and she will be so prepared to lead her team. It’s going to be exciting. I told her today that I will be her first season ticket holder.” – 6:10 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟭 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 – with a Spurs twist 😅
(a thread )
#NYE2021 | #NewYear2022 | #PorVida pic.twitter.com/1EfcY8cW51 – 6:00 PM Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Erik Spoelstra says they were prepared to play against San Antonio, but their walk-through was with only 5 guys – 5:34 PM Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Erik Spoelstra on the last three days: “It was pretty eventful.” Says he believes the right decision was made to postpone Wednesday’s game in San Antonio. – 5:34 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
“Going to be real competitive. Hopefully we get this road trip started the right way.”
@Tre Jones previews the matchup against his brother in Memphis tonight, the long road trip ahead and more! pic.twitter.com/IEo1vARSSU – 5:24 PM Memphis Grizzlies PR @GrizzliesPR
Game notes for tonight’s matchup with the San Antonio Spurs – the first New Year’s Eve home game in franchise history – are available online: https://t.co/xYCwG545j9 pic.twitter.com/IIAqSzf4a9 – 5:12 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
During the last road trip, Steven Adams played 81 minutes and traveled 5.80 miles at an average of 4.02 MPH.
@FedEx  | #PlayerTracker pic.twitter.com/j1Cj5DCDI0 – 5:10 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
La Cultura S3 will no longer be available in the Spurs Fan Shop after tonight. Which means we got another drop coming soon 👀
Stay tuned for more! pic.twitter.com/wSbjizNen4 – 5:05 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
what are your New Years resolutions?
we wanna hear em. – 4:33 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Spurs have upgraded Lonnie Walker (bruised knee) from questionable to probable for tonight’s game. – 4:01 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
NYE hoops!
🆚 @Memphis Grizzlies
7pm CT
📍 FedExForum
📺 @CW35SA
🎲 https://t.co/9tnP05yFRW
📻 @1200WOAI, @kxtn1350 AM & 107.5 FM HD 2 pic.twitter.com/FfpE6SqlwU – 3:52 PM Rod Beard @detnewsRodBeard
#Pistons Luka Garza said he was down about his defense against the #Spurs on Sunday, but he was happy about his defensive play against the #Knicks.
He gets another chance against San Antonio tomorrow night. – 3:46 PM James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Garza said he was down on himself defensively against the Spurs but proud of the way he played on that end against the Knicks. – 3:43 PM Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
Garza on playing the Spurs again this week after he was disappointed with his defensive performance against them on Sunday: “That’s the good thing about the NBA. If you have a bad game, or bad area in a game, you get another game in two days.” – 3:43 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
heading into the new year with that @Lonnie Walker energy 🕺 pic.twitter.com/oKpWbIEg3W – 2:49 PM Scott Agness @ScottAgness
The Pacers add 6-2 guard Ahmad Caver on a 10-day hardship exception, joining Nate Hinton. Caver has been in the G League with the Memphis Hustle.
Another signing to come. – 2:41 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
final prep of 2021 pic.twitter.com/Jg1vHqX6AU – 2:26 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
The WNBA’s Aces are getting a terrific coach in Becky Hammon, Spurs players said on a bittersweet morning in Memphis.
“She understands the game, knows the game, is a great basketball mind,” Derrick White said. “Everyone loves and respects her.”
expressnews.com/sports/spurs/a… – 2:10 PM Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
📅 On this day in 2018, the @Houston Rockets James Harden had 43 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists in a 113-101 win over the Grizzlies.
Harden, who made 21 FT, is one of two players in NBA history to record a triple-double with 20 FTM. The other is Oscar Robertson (12/27/64). pic.twitter.com/JcK2rdeewe – 2:01 PM