The Memphis Grizzlies’ miserable start to the season got even worse with another loss on Friday night, this time to the Utah Jazz — capped by a profanity-laced explosion from head coach Taylor Jenkins following the game, as Jenkins railed against what he called “f—king atrocious” officiating in the game.
After Jaren Jackson Jr. was ejected from the game for protesting what he considered multiple missed calls by the officials, the star power forward had to be held back by teammates before heading to the locker room.
Jenkins was also bothered by the free throw disparity that saw the Jazz shoot 29 free throws to the Grizzlies’ 13.
Warning: expletive language
“One of the most poorly officiated games I’ve ever seen,’’ Jenkins said. “Record it. I’m fine with it. F–king atrocious. [Jackson Jr.] plays 23 minutes, and is in the paint all night. He’s one of the most professional players in this league, and gets a double technical foul, and the excuse I get is that he’s charging at an official. It’s called de-escalation.”
Jenkins said Jackson was especially upset by what he felt were two straight clear hacking fouls that were uncalled.
And the fifth-year head coach noted that he’s not known for going after referees.
“Twenty-nine free throws to 13, and I’m not that coach,’’ Jenkins said of his reputation. “You 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.”
Jenkins is almost certain to be fined for his comments, which he noted.
“I know what’s coming,’’ Jenkins said of the likely penalty. “It’s unbelievable, the looks on [their] faces while I’m trying to engage in conversation to defend our guys that are busting their tail right now.”
It’s all part of a poor start by the Grizzlies, who are without Ja Morant, in the midst of a 25-game suspension stemming from his off-court behavior.
Also without the injured Steven Adams for the season, Memphis — which has won 50-plus games each of the past two seasons and reached the playoffs three consecutive years — is 1-8, with the lone win coming at Portland.