Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins was fuming at the referees after the Grizzlies 127-121 loss to the Jazz on Friday.
“One of the most poorly officiated games I have ever seen,” Jenkins said in the postgame press conference. “Record it, I’m fine with it. F**king atrocious.”
Jaren Jackson Jr. was ejected from the game after arguing a no-call in the third quarter.
Jenkins went into bat for JJJ, who recorded 13 shot attempts and didn’t get to shoot any free throws.
“He’s one of the most professional players in this league, and gets a double technical foul,” Jenkins said. “The excuse I get is that he’s charging at an official. It’s called de-escalation.”
The head coach isn’t one to get mad at the referees often and he cited the last time, which was in the first round of the 2022 playoffs against the Timberwolves.
“And I’m not that coach,” Jenkins continued. “You can go back in history, I’ve done this one other time. Our team is competing their asses off. Competing their asses 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 defend our guys that are busting their tail right now.”
The Grizzlies are now 1-8 to start the season and are missing a host of players due to injury and suspension.
Ja Morant’s return can’t come soon enough.
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