The Memphis Grizzlies fell out to a harsh defeat against the Utah Jazz in the NBA In-Season Tournament 121-127. Memphis’ coach Taylor Jenkins was left fuming with the officiating done by the referees in the game that led to his team losing.
After the game in a post-match interview, Jenkins could not control his words and emotions, he said, “Saddle up. One of the most poorly officiated games I’ve ever seen. Record it. I’m fine with it. Fu*king atrocious.” This rant was due to many controversial decisions made by the referees against the Grizzlies.
Grizzlies Head Coach Taylor Jenkins:
“Saddle up. One of the most poorly officiated games I’ve ever seen. Record it. I’m fine with it. Fu*king atrocious.”
(via @DamichaelC, h/t @NBA_Reddit)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) November 11, 2023
He was also issued a technical foul by the referees which left Jenkins fuming. These kinds of events usually change the course of the game and can result in one’s victory and that is exactly what happened in this game. It remains to be seen how the Memphis Grizzlies bounce back from this loss.
Jaren Jackson Jr got ejected in the 3rd quarter
In the 3rd Quarter, all the main drama and chaos took pace, Jaren Jackson Jr, Memphis’ star defender got ejected by receiving two technical fouls. Jackson truly has an image for not venting to officials, so Jenkins was especially incensed by the fact that he was given an ejection.
Jaren Jackson Jr. got 2 techs in a row and was ejected 😳 pic.twitter.com/YRfR651ubV
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 11, 2023
After the match in the post-match interview, he said, “He plays 23 minutes and is in the paint all night,” Jenkins said of Jackson. “He’s one of the most professional players in this league. He gets a double technical foul and the excuse I get is that he’s ‘charging at an official.’ It’s called de-escalation. Twenty-nine free throws to 13. And I’m not that coach. If you go back in the history, I’ve done this one other time.
He also added, “Our team is competing their a** off. Their a** off, and this is what happens? The interactions right now with the officials — complete disrespect. I know what’s coming. It’s unbelievable the looks on the faces when I’m trying to engage in conversation to defend our guys that are busting their tail right now.”
Jackson was dismissed amid a run by the Grizzlies that persisted after his removal. Memphis finally knotted the game in the fourth quarter after trailing by as many as 21 points, but the Jazz were able to take the lead, and free throws were crucial for them in the closing moments.
Memphis Grizzlies have lost both of their NBA In-Season tournament games
The NBA In-Season Tournament has not been the best for the Memphis Grizzlies up till now. They have lost both of the games they played in. They lost to the Trail Blazers in a thrilling game by 115-113 and on the other hand, they lost to the Utah Jazz by some bad refereeing according to their coach by 121-127.
Memphis Grizzlies are 0-6 pic.twitter.com/lI0Luxgrn8
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) November 4, 2023
Coach Jenkins was particularly furious with the referees because he felt that his players gave it their all and to lose by such bad decisions makes no sense, in the post-match interview he added, “If you go watch the play, two possessions in a row (Jackson) gets hacked underneath the basket, zero free-throw attempts,” Jenkins said. “I’m not trying to put a name on a jersey and say that this guy should earn these fouls. Watch the game … I don’t understand it, when guys are competing their tails off.”
Now with a poor run in the NBA as well as the In-Season tournament it is up to the Grizzlies and their coach to get them up and running. If they do not perform, starting from this loss, this NBA season is going to be a very long one for them and their fans.