Highlight plays included VanVleet's spark from deep, Buddy Hield (26 points, 8-14 3PT) exchanging three-point bombs against Desmond Bane (20 points, 6-8 3PT), Julius Randle (17 points, 10 rebounds, 3-7 3PT) pulling up from deep on the fast break to take a sizable lead, Drummond (17 points, 15 rebounds) crashing through the net with a fierce dunk on the pick and roll, and Dejounte Murray swiping the ball free from Ja Morant (22 points, 13 assists) and hammering it home downwind.
The Grizzlies kept within 6 points in the final minute and had a chance to make things dicey once more, but the Spurs defense stood pat after taking a large advantage in the final few minutes of the 4th Quarter. San Antonio's perimeter savvy came through in the clutch, scoring a total of 24 shots from long range.
It was a spectacle to behold as Dejounte Murray attempted to lock up ex-teammate, Brandon Ingram (25 points), as he hit a tough layup over Steven Adams (7pts/10rebs) down low with the free throw and 12 assists, finishing with 19 points & 3 steals. He carried his team through a ten-point swing, and the Spurs ultimately won this one by 10, their biggest separation all game long.
A fierce match-up undoubtedly awaits the Spurs two more times this season, with an exciting playoff duel on the horizon most likely. The Spurs improve to 32-3 on the season, towering over the league as the new-look roster continues to gel and strengthen through marquee match-ups.
