MEMPHIS, Tennessee (Ticker) -- Stromile Swift scored the go-ahead basket with 1:56 left as the Memphis Grizzlies rallied for an 88-80 win over the San Antonio Spurs, who lost star Tim Duncan to injury midway through the opening quarter.
The Grizzlies overcame an 11-point deficit in the first quarter and limited San Antonio to just one field goal in the final 8:35.
"We finally got some urgency," Memphis coach Hubie Brown said. "We stopped them seven out of the last eight times. In the last quarter, we made our foul shots. We were able to force 24 turnovers. Actually, that's because they didn't have Tim Duncan as a critical option to build around."
The Spurs took a 72-67 lead with 8:35 left but Earl Watson drained a 3-pointer, Pau Gasol hit a running hook shot and Jason Williams nailed a 12-foot jumper for a 74-72 edge with 5:57 remaining.
San Antonio's Malik Rose had a layup and hit two free throws to give the Spurs the lead. After Gasol's jumper tied it again, Rose snapped a 76-76 tie with a pair of free throws with 2:41 remaining. Gasol hit a free throw and Swift's leaner put Memphis ahead for good.
Williams had 13 points and seven assists and reserves Wesley Person and Watson each chipped in 12 points for Memphis, which improved to just 5-27 all-time against the defending champion Spurs. The Grizzlies are just 2-15 at home against San Antonio.
"The big shots counted tonight and we found the big shots and took advantage of them," Watson said. "We have momentum going out on our upcoming road trip, especially with two wins over Western Conference opponents."
Prior to Monday night, the Grizzlies' only home win against the Spurs came on November 24, 1996 in Vancouver, the season before San Antonio selected Duncan with the first pick in the draft.
With Duncan scoring 10 points and grabbing three rebounds, the Spurs jumped out to an 20-10 lead with 5:08 left in the first. But the two-time NBA MVP suffered a mildly sprained left ankle six seconds later, rolling his foot while attempting a basket in the lane.
"When Tim got hurt, we were playing bad defensively, so we just had to find ways to get back in the game," Gasol said. "We had pride, it was just a matter of pride. We started to play aggressive, and we had to find the energy to win this kind of game. A win is a win."
Duncan came in averaging 18.7 points and 16 rebounds per game this season.
"He's our best player so it's tough whenever you take him off the court," said Radoslav Nesterovic, who had 13 points and 14 rebounds. "They didn't have to put all their attention on Tim, so it allowed them to play more one-on-one defense instead of worrying about him. We have a lot of new guys, so it's hard to adjust without our best player."
"It is difficult because Tim is one of the real, real good guys," Rose said. "It is difficult for the team to lose him on the floor."
San Antonio, already without point guards Tony Parker and Anthony Carter, also lost guard Manu Ginobili - who had 13 points - late in the fourth quarter with a strained lower back. The injury is not considered serious.
In addition, the Spurs played without coach Gregg Popovich, who was ejected with 10:28 left in the second quarter. He was given two technicals while arguing a foul call. Assistant P.J. Carlesimo took over the on the sideline.
Rose finished with 10 points and nine rebounds and Ron Mercer came off the bench to contribute 10 points as the Spurs dropped their second straight road game. Their 25 turnovers led to 25 points.
"We didn't take care of the ball as good as we expect to, and that's probably the main reason we had so many turnovers," Nesterovic said.
