The Spurs traveled to Memphis for the first of three meetings over 17 days against their division rivals and potential first-round playoff opponent. It was a back-and-forth, streaky game, but the Grizzzlies morphed into the Houston Rockets for a night by uncharacteristically hitting 13 three-pointers and getting to the free throw line at will to beat the Spurs despite a good game from LaMarcus Aldridge (21 points, 9 reb, 4 assists) and domination on the boards.
The game started as a defensive slug-fest with both teams struggling to get open looks or even hold on to the ball.