The San Antonio Spurs scraped by the Memphis Grizzlies and once again made a faster-paced team play at their level. Naysayers can say what they want about the opponent, which was on a four-game skid, but the Spurs were down two starters (Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle), and their visitors played desperately. Backups commonly shine when given the extra opportunity on well-coached teams, and this time it was Keldon Johnson.

The defense started off a step behind as the Grizzlies took an 8-0 lead in the first 89 seconds. That was all it took for coach Mitch Johnson to call a stoppage so their coverages would tighten up, and his counsel was followed, but their next problem was an offensive drought, making 30 percent of attempts. The Spurs got by, collapsing onto the paint like a falling

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