Duncan Records Triple-Double as Spurs Defeat Grizzlies

The San Antonio Spurs got back to their winning ways on Friday night, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 107-101 in the final game of their four game road trip.

The Spurs started off the night hot, racing out to a 58-46 lead at halftime. That early start was enough for San Antonio to get the victory, never allowing Memphis to take a lead in the game. It was not all good news though as the Spurs did lose Tony Parker to injury as he suffered a hamstring strain.

Dec 5, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dunks the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies during the game at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Tim Duncan led the way for the Spurs on Friday, finishing with his fourth career triple-double, 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. Manu Ginobili also played well for San Antonio, coming off the bench to provide 17 points, six rebounds, and seven assists.

For Memphis, it was the effort of three players in particular that allowed the Grizzlies to even come within striking distance of the Spurs. Two of them, Marc Gasol and Mike Conley, finished with double-doubles while the other, Tayshaun Prince, came of the bench to provide 20 points.

Gasol put together a 28 point 12 rebound performance while Conley contributed 23 points and 10 assists.

After a unblanaced first half in favor of San Antonio, Memphis made a strong run in the final 24 minutes, closing the gap to four points at one point. The tight game in the second half was displayed by close final shooting percentages, the Grizzlies finished the game shooting 46.2% while the Spurs shot 47.6% from the floor.

The real difference in this game was San Antonio’s work on the glass, out-rebounding Memphis 44-37, and their marksmanship from behind the arc, connecting on nine more three’s than the Grizzlies while shooting at a 56% clip from distance.

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The win by the Spurs helped the team close out their four game road trip with a 3-1 record, their only loss being a 95-93 heartbreaker in overtime to the Brooklyn Nets in their previous game. San Antonio’s overall record now stands at 14-5.

With the loss, the Grizzlies moved to 15-4 and have now dropped two games in a row, their longest losing streak of the season.

The Spurs head back to work tomorrow night, coming home for a quick one game home stand against the Minnesota Timberwolves who they demolished their previous meeting this season. The game is at 7:30 p.m. CT.

What do you think about the San Antonio Spurs win over one of the best teams record wise in the NBA? Let us know in the comments!

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