The NBA fined Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins $15,000 Monday for his public criticism of the officiating following Game 4 of the first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Grizzlies lost 119-118 Saturday and the best-of-seven series is tied at 2-2. It resumes Tuesday night in Memphis, where the No. 2 seed Grizzlies will host the No. 7 Timberwolves.
“We could’ve played better, but in my opinion, one of the most poorly officiated games I’ve ever seen in my NBA career,” Jenkins said after the game. “… Yeah, some things we got to clean up and get better at, but I’ve never seen a more inconsistent and arrogant officiated game.”
Jenkins was critical of the disparity in the number of free throws attempted. The Timberwolves were 31-of-40 from the line. The Grizzlies made 19 of their 25 attempts.
“There was actually one play where a foul whistle was blown before contact was even made. It’s embarrassing,” Jenkins said.
By the end of the first quarter, the Grizzlies had four players with two fouls apiece, including star guard Ja Morant. The Timberwolves went to the line 18 times in the first quarter, which ended with Minnesota up 33-28.
–Field Level Media
