Spencer ignited a late offensive explosion, while Aldama's crucial block sealed a thrilling one-point victory, snapping the Grizzlies' losing streak.
For weeks, the Memphis Grizzlies had been searching for validation that their effort, discipline, and resolve would eventually be rewarded.
On Tuesday night, they finally received it.
Cam Spencer scored 21 points and authored the decisive stretch late as the Memphis Grizzlies edged the San Antonio Spurs 106-105 at FedExForum, snapping a four-game losing streak with a closing sequence defined by poise, execution, and trust.
Spencer scored five points in the final 1:26, punctuating his night with a 10-foot baseline jumper with 36.5 seconds remaining that stood as the game-winner. On the final defensive possession, Santi Aldama rotated over and blocked a De’Aaron Fox jumper with five seconds left, preserving the victory and flipping a familiar late-game script for Memphis.
The Grizzlies (16-20) did it while again navigating a depleted rotation, something head coach Tuomas Iisalo emphasized afterward as a reflection of the group’s identity more than its circumstances.
“I’ll say this first — that’s a very good team we just beat,” Iisalo said. “I’ll rattle off some names. Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr., Brandon Clarke, Zach Edey, CED Coward, Ja Morant, Max Prosper, Jamiah Mays, John Konchar — these guys are all out. And you see how this team is fighting, and I’m extremely proud. Extremely proud.”
Iisalo framed the win as overdue confirmation for a group that has repeatedly competed through adversity.
“Just like I was after both Lakers games, this team has zero quit in it,” Iisalo said. “They’re fighting. They represent everything that’s good. Everybody who’s dressing is giving everything they have. They’re fighting for each other. They never lose trust. They show emotion because they actually care. And they fight.”
“I’m incredibly, incredibly happy that they finally got some type of payoff for that,” he added. “Those are the feelings that I’m feeling.”
Memphis balanced its offense to offset a 30-point performance from Victor Wembanyama, who returned after missing two games and finished 10 of 20 from the floor, including 3 of 6 from beyond the arc, in 21 minutes. Julian Champagnie scored 23 points for San Antonio, and Stephon Castle added 15 before fouling out with 3:13 remaining.
Jaren Jackson Jr. matched Spencer with 21 points for Memphis, while Jock Landale contributed 19 and anchored several key sequences late.
After Fox briefly put San Antonio ahead 104-101 with 1:39 remaining, Spencer answered with a 3-pointer before delivering the decisive baseline jumper moments later.
“I really was only thinking about winning,” Spencer said. “Just making the right play for the team guarding well and locking into the scouting report that the coaches set for us. Just really happy that everybody got the job done for us tonight.”
Spencer’s night marked a sharp turn after a recent slump, having failed to score in double figures in four straight games following 14 consecutive such performances earlier in the season.
“It’s a normal process,” Iisalo said. “He started the season not being a featured player from the opponent’s standpoint. Then you become a featured player, and teams start throwing different types of defensive looks at you. Until something sticks, and then other teams copy it.”
“So first the defense adapts, and then the offense has to adapt,” Iisalo added. “With him, he’s still building his skill set for that. He has tremendous weapons with his three-point shot. He’s improved his passing out of those situations. There are several technical and individual tactical things he can still do better, and those things take time.”
Iisalo pointed to Spencer’s preparation as a constant, even during the recent dip.
“I don’t even need to talk about Cam’s work ethic — how much tape he devours and how willing he is to try new things,” Iisalo said. “Even when you say he’s in a slump, I would say he’s taking good shots — they just haven’t gone in. And I hope he takes even more in the future.”
Teammates shared that confidence.
“It’s Cam,” Jaylen Wells said. “I’ve seen the work he’s put in. He’s in the gym all the time. He shoots those shots and puts in the work. When he shoots any shot, I’m 100% confident it’s going in.”
The final defensive stand was also the product of a deliberate decision. Memphis opted to place Vince Williams Jr. on Fox late, with Aldama positioned to help.
“Vince has been a very reliable on-ball defender throughout his career and someone who’s really scrappy in those moments,” Iisalo said. “Jalen unfortunately got hit in the leg and was nursing it a little bit, so we made the decision to go with Vince, knowing that the other guys would need to support him and knowing where the ball was going to go.”
“In that situation, it was one of those moments where the guys showed tremendous focus and tremendous effort in the end game to bring it home,” he added.
Aldama described the moment after the block as a blur, with teammates swarming him at midcourt.
“It was funny just looking at Cam, Jock and the guys just pumped,” Aldama said. “That got me even more pumped.”
The win also reflected a clear adjustment after halftime. Memphis opened the third quarter on a 20-7 run to erase an 11-point deficit after a disjointed first half in which both teams struggled offensively and the Grizzlies committed 13 turnovers.
“We were very disciplined, and especially after halftime, we did a great job defensively,” Iisalo said. “That gives confidence not just to the players, but also to the coaching staff, that we can really get this done — even when we have to put in different wrinkles on short notice.”
Iisalo also addressed Memphis’ shot profile, noting improved balance as the game progressed.
“In the beginning of the game, there was a slight misunderstanding of the game plan,” he said. “That didn’t mean jacking up shots with 15 seconds on the shot clock against a set defense.”
“We did a much better job in the second half,” Iisalo added. “Instead of playing what Europeans call team handball, where you just move the ball around the arc, you’re actually allowed to go in there. And we did that better.”
Landale, who missed two free throws moments before the final possession, felt the weight of the moment lift once Aldama delivered.
“Thank God,” Landale said. “I felt a little bit of responsibility on that last possession. It would have been a dark, dark night had we lost that game and Santi not come up big with that block.”
The Grizzlies continue their four-game homestand Wednesday night against the Phoenix Suns, while the Spurs return home to face the Los Angeles Lakers.