Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins rips ‘atrocious’ officiating after 8th loss in 9 games, fined $25K

The Memphis Grizzlies are feeling frustration amid their 1-8 start. Following a 127-121 loss to the Utah Jazz on Friday, head coach Taylor Jenkins honed in on the officiating.

Memphis star Jaren Jackson Jr. was ejected with two consecutive technicals after he argued a missed call. He wasn’t the only one at odds with the officials. While the Jazz had 29 free-throw attempts, the Grizzlies only had 13. Newly acquired Memphis guard Marcus Smart also fouled out halfway through the fourth quarter.

Jenkins’ postgame reaction delivered a profane rant that called the game “One of the most poorly officiated games I’ve ever seen.”

Jenkins lambasted the free-throw differential, saying, “Twenty-nine free throws to 13. I’m not that coach. You go back in history, I’ve done this one other time. Our team is competing their asses off. And this is what happens? The interactions right now with the officials? Complete disrespect.”

“I know what’s coming,” Jenkins added. “It’s unbelievable, the looks on the [official’s] faces while I’m trying to engage in conversation to defend our guys that are busting their tail right now.”

Video replays showed contact between Jazz’s John Collins and Jackson, leading to the ejection. Jackson’s outburst followed what he felt was a missed foul. He left the game with 14 points and four rebounds.

A subsequent fine of $25,000 from the NBA did little to deter Jenkins, who vowed to continue defending his team, saying, “We’re not trying to lose our heads. We’re trying to go out and win basketball games and trying to play better. It’s as simple as that.”

The Grizzlies will look to regroup in their upcoming games against the Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers.