SAN ANTONIO, Texas – After suffering a 125-105 loss to the Jazz in Utah on Saturday, which extended their current losing streak to four straight games -- the longest skid to start a rodeo road trip in the 17-year history of the event -- the Spurs returned home to San Antonio for a quick break. They’ll wrap up the first leg of the rodeo road trip on Tuesday night in Memphis.
“I don't think we've ever had this time since I've been here to come back during the rodeo road trip," said guard Patty Mills. "I wasn't able to get in any rodeo this time. I'm trying to look after the body, but it should be good being back.”
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Teammate LaMarcus Aldridge echoed Mills’ sentiments.
"It's always nice to come home,” Aldridge said. “We’ve been on the road for a long time. Getting a night in your bed and some home cooking always helps.”
The Spurs could use a little of that home cooking the remainder of their road trip. San Antonio still has four games left, including a nine-day All-Star break before returning home to the AT&T Center on Feb. 27.
That makes the game against Memphis a must-win.
“It's a big game, regardless of the break," Mills explained. “To be able to go into the break with some momentum and confidence in ourselves and the team would be huge.”
Heading into Tuesday’s game, the Spurs have a number of factors in their favor. The Grizzlies are currently second-to-last in the Western Conference and just traded their star center, Marc Gasol, to Toronto.
“It's definitely going to be different [playing Memphis without Gasol],” Aldridge said. "That's the NBA, and things change.”
The Spurs will look to take advantage. Tipoff in Memphis is set for 7 p.m.