The San Antonio Spurs erupted for a season-high 72 points in the first half of their 124-108 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on June 10, 2026, marking their most dominant opening 24 minutes of the season according to NBA.com. The performance, which included a 19-2 run to close the second quarter, underscored a shift in the team’s offensive strategy under new head coach Jeremy Pena, who replaced the retired Gregg Popovich last month.
What Led to the Spurs’ Dominant First Half?
The Spurs’ first-half explosion followed a 10-game losing streak that saw them fall to 12-20 on May 28. Analysts point to Pena’s emphasis on fast breaks and three-point shooting as the catalyst. “They’re playing with a sense of urgency we haven’t seen since the Kawhi Leonard era,” said ESPN analyst Doris Burke. “Their ball movement and spacing are elite.” The Spurs attempted 28 three-pointers in the first half, hitting 12, compared to 15 total three-pointers in their previous five games combined.
Star guard Dejounte Murray, who scored 28 points in the first half, attributed the turnaround to “a reset in our mindset.” Murray, who missed the last three games with a knee injury, returned to a lineup featuring rookie sensation Zaccharie Risacher, who tallied 14 points and 6 assists in 22 minutes. “Zac’s energy on both ends is infectious,” Murray said. “We’re playing for each other now.”
How Does This Performance Fit Into the Season?
The Spurs’ first-half dominance contrasts sharply with their struggles earlier in the season. Through March and April, San Antonio ranked 26th in offensive efficiency, per Basketball-Reference. However, the team’s defensive rating improved to 112.3 in June, up from 118.1 in May, suggesting a more balanced approach. “They’re not just scoring; they’re forcing turnovers and limiting second-chance points,” said The Athletic NBA reporter Tim MacMahon. “This could be a turning point.”
The win moved the Spurs to 17-23 on the season, placing them fifth in the Western Conference. However, their 11-point lead over the 12th-seeded Utah Jazz remains precarious, as the Grizzlies (21-19) and Warriors (20-18) close in. “This is a good start, but the real test comes in the next two weeks,” said CBS Sports analyst Chris Haynes. “They can’t afford another slump.”
What Are the Broader Implications for the Spurs?
The performance has reignited fan optimism after a turbulent offseason. Ownership reportedly considered firing Popovich following the 2025 season, but the decision to hire Pena—a former assistant with the Houston Rockets—has drawn mixed reactions. “It’s a gamble, but it’s paying off so far,” said local sports talk host Mike Breen on 101.5 The Fan. “Pena’s system is more
