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Little known Mason leads Spurs vs. Grizzlies

Nov 24, 2008 - 3:10 PM San Antonio (6-6) at Memphis (4-9) 8:00 pm. EST

MEMPHIS, Tennessee (Ticker) -- Roger Mason has proved to be an invaluable addition to the San Antonio Spurs, who seek a fifth win in six games on Monday against the Memphis Grizzlies.

San Antonio's signing of Mason, a journeyman who spent the last two seasons with the Washington Wizards, was a mere blip on the NBA radar this offseason.

The 26-year-old Mason was signed to come off the bench and spell guards Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. However, Ginobili has yet to play while recovering from offseason ankle surgery and Parker has missed the last seven games with a high-ankle sprain.

With both stars out with injuries, Mason has become much more than a role player.

The former second-round pick is averaging 15.2 points, helping San Antonio account for the loss of scoring in its backcourt. Mason hit 7-of-10 3-pointers and scored a season-high 29 points in a 119-94 victory over Utah on Friday.

Mason and the Spurs will try to hand the Grizzlies their seventh loss in eight games. O.J. Mayo scored 23 points in a 103-94 loss to the Jazz on Saturday.