Someone on Memphis’ side is not happy, and it’s not because of that 127-121 loss. The Memphis Grizzlies couldn’t close the score gap at their recent game and had to concede a loss. But their coach is not going down without a fight. Taylor Jenkins is particularly incensed by the referees on the court today, especially for how they handled his star player, Jaren Jackson Jr. He didn’t hold back at making that displeasure known.
Once again, Utah Jazz is not winning any favor among the NBA fan community. After the Memphis coach vented, fans would be hard-pressed to accept the way the game went.
Memphis coach stands up for his star player
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The Memphis Grizzlies suffered a 121-127 loss at the hands of Utah Jazz today. It was the eighth straight loss for the team. But that didn’t leave a bitter taste as much as seeing Jaren Jackson Jr. getting ejected in the third quarter. With 4:30 minutes left in the third quarter, Jackson argued a no-call. The result of it sent him out of the game. He had contested several no-calls before that. Grizzlies coach, Taylor Jenkins, is still bristling from that instance.
READ MORE: Father, Ex-NBA Star and Mother Involved with WNBA and NCAA, Who Are Jaren Jackson Jr’s Parents?
He declared after the game, “One of the most poorly officiated games I have ever seen”. He went on to tell the media to put it on record, “Record it, I’m fine with it. F**king atrocious.“?
Jazz had 29 free throw attempts as opposed to the grit and grind squad, making it to the line only 13 times. Jackson made 13 shot attempts and no free throw attempts. He managed to score 14 points in the total of about 20 minutes he played.
“He’s one of the most professional players in this league, and gets a double technical foul,”?Jenkins ranted in defense of Jackson during the post-game conference. He continued, “The excuse I get is that he’s charging at an official. It’s called de-escalation.”
Coach Jenkins.
DId.
Not.
Hold.
Back. pic.twitter.com/aLXAuz6Kd2
— Bally Sports: Grizzlies (@GrizzOnBally) November 11, 2023
The last time Jenkins was this antagonistic to officials was in the first round of the 2022 playoffs. He referenced the instance he went off when Memphis played against Minnesota. And he’s feeling that same anger he felt that day.
Coach Jenkins is proud of his team
Not long ago, Shaquille O’Neal declared Utah was the worst arena he played in because of its officials and their knack for missing calls. They’re not looking so good either with their continued one-sided feud with Michael Jordan. And they’re making enemies with Grizzlies’ Taylor Jenkins too.
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Taylor Jenkins. pic.twitter.com/OzcuAlU3qh
— Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) November 11, 2023
While the team is still struggling without Ja Morant, the remaining players are carrying the tide. Coach Jenkins will not tolerate disrespect to this lot. Saying that their team is competing to their best level despite the consecutive defeats, “This is what happens? The interactions with the officials. I know what’s coming. It’s unbelievable the looks on the faces when I’m trying to defend our guys that are busting their tail right now.”?
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Redemption is still far for the Grizzlies. Their next game is on November 13th and fingers crossed, they turn the tide this time!
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