Cam Spencer’s Late Surge Rescues Grizzlies in One-Point Escape

The Memphis Grizzlies needed a spark to halt a frustrating slide, and they found it from an unexpected source. Playing without star guard Ja Morant, Memphis edged the San Antonio Spurs 106–105 on Tuesday night at FedExForum to end a four-game losing streak.

The final moments unfolded with the tension of a playoff game. With the Spurs threatening to steal the win, it was Cam Spencer — a second-year guard who once struggled to find minutes — who seized control of the closing sequence.

Spencer scored Memphis’ last five points, punctuating his night with a smooth jumper inside the final 40 seconds. The basket proved to be the difference in a contest that hung in the balance until the final horn.

San Antonio had chances to respond, but Jeremy Sochan and De’Aaron Fox both misfired on the Spurs’ final two possessions, allowing the Grizzlies to escape with a narrow victory.

1. A Career Night in Crunch Time

Spencer’s box score reflected more than a late-game cameo. He finished with 21 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, falling just shy of a triple-double while shouldering the offense for long stretches. The opportunity arose largely because Morant was sidelined with a right calf contusion. Without their All-Star engine, the Grizzlies leaned heavily on Spencer to initiate sets and create late-clock options. Rather than shrinking under the responsibility, Spencer appeared emboldened by it. His willingness to attack in traffic and pull up confidently from the midrange gave Memphis an offensive rhythm that had been missing in recent games. For a team that has struggled to close tight contests during its losing streak, Spencer’s poise represented a timely development.

2. Confidence from the Bench

After the game, head coach Tuomas Iisalo praised Spencer’s assertiveness, noting that his guard’s mentality leaves little room for second-guessing. “I don’t think bad shots exist for him,” Iisalo said, emphasizing the trust the coaching staff has placed in the 25-year-old. That trust has not always been there. Spencer’s rookie season was largely spent on the fringes of the rotation, where he averaged just over 10 minutes per game across 25 appearances. This year has been different. Injuries throughout the roster have forced the Grizzlies to search for reliable contributors, and Spencer has taken advantage of the opening.

3. From Afterthought to Asset

Spencer is now averaging 11.8 points, 2.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 23.2 minutes per game, nearly doubling his playing time from a year ago. The numbers reflect a guard who has settled into a defined role rather than fighting for survival. More importantly, he has provided steady production whenever Morant has been unavailable. The franchise cornerstone has already missed 18 games, creating an ongoing need for dependable backcourt play. Spencer has not carried the spotlight alone. Fellow young players Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward have also carved out meaningful roles, giving Memphis a collection of upstarts capable of filling gaps. Their emergence could have long-term implications. With the trade deadline approaching, the Grizzlies may find themselves more willing to entertain offers for Morant if the supporting cast continues to perform at this level.