San Antonio Spurs Play 'Two Different Games' in Loss vs. Memphis Grizzlies

The San Antonio Spurs struggled to keep their lead on Saturday night against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Jeremy Brener | Nov 19, 2023

San Antonio Spurs Play 'Two Different Games' in Loss vs. Memphis Grizzlies /

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San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs are developing a couple of patterns early in the season.

Not only is the team on an eight-game losing streak after its loss on Saturday night to the Memphis Grizzlies, but the fashion in how this team has lost appears to be consistent.

In five of the eight losses on this losing skid, the Spurs have led by double digits. Yet, they are unable to find a way to maintain the lead.

Memphis Grizzlies forward Kenneth Lofton Jr. (6) and San Antonio Spurs forward Cedi Osman (16) battle for a rebound during the second half at Frost Bank Center. — Memphis Grizzlies forward Kenneth Lofton Jr. (6) and San Antonio Spurs forward Cedi Osman (16) battle for a rebound during the second half at Frost Bank Center / Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

"It was two different games for us," veteran Cedi Osman said after the team's loss against the Grizzlies. "In the first half, I think we played great and in the second half we just couldn't respond to their run. Defensively, I think we did not have a good game in the second half. I think they [Memphis] pushed us into taking tough shots and I think we were not really tough in the third and fourth quarter defensively."

Teams are able to make swift adjustments against the Spurs, and they are simply unable to counter.

Half the battle is building a lead, which the Spurs have proven capable of, but the other half is keeping it, and San Antonio is still trying to work that part out.

It's a common growing pain for young teams like the Spurs, but so far, there has yet to be any growth in that department.

Perhaps the Spurs will find a way to keep and maintain a lead on Monday against the Los Angeles Clippers. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CT.

Spurs Blow 19-Point Lead in Loss vs. Grizzlies

Published Nov 19, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.