The San Antonio Spurs battled back from an early deficit behind Victor Wembanyama's strong defensive outing, but ultimately couldn't finish the job in the first of two straight matchups against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Ja Morant had 21 points and 12 assists to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 129-115 win over the San Antonio Spurs.

The 7-foot-4 phenom faces criticism for spending too much time on the perimeter, but San Antonio is letting him do it all to maximize his potential as the NBA’s next great big man.

The Grizzlies were led by star point guard Ja Morant, who posted a strong double-double with 21 points and 12 assists, shooting an efficient 9-13 from the field. Morant posted a team-high +22, being a true difference-maker in the competitive divisional matchup.

Memphis Grizzlies rookie center Zach Edey dunked on Victor Wembanyama in the first quarter on Wednesday night.

Ja Morant had 21 points and 12 assists to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 129-115 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night. Desmond Bane scored 21 points, Santi Aldama

Despite being in the sophomore season of his NBA career, Victor Wembanyama is already being groomed as the next face of the league. For what it's worth, Wemby has all the ingredients to fulfill that role. He is a talented scorer and defender who is already adding wins for the San Antonio Spurs.

Zach Edey drops the hammer, with the Grizzlies center throwing down a monster jam over Spurs star Victor Wembanyama.

But neither Morant nor Wembanyama stopped. Morant kept charging right for the rim, where he ran into the 7-foot-3 star. Expertly, Morant rose up and threw down a wild one-handed dunk over an outstretched Wembanyama, which sent the Grizzlies bench into a tailspin.

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant completed a dunk that didn't count over Spurs star Victor Wembanyama on Wednesday night.