MINNEAPOLIS — Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins often has a cool, calm demeanor, but he felt the need to stand up for his players after their 119-118 loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of their NBA playoff series Saturday.
“In my opinion, one of the most poorly-officiated games I’ve ever seen in my NBA career,” said Jenkins at the Target Center. “All five of our starters are borderline fouled out in the first quarter.”
Each Grizzlies starter had two fouls by the 11:32 mark of the second quarter. That trend continued in the second half as four Grizzlies starters had four fouls by the end of the third quarter.
The Timberwolves had 40 free-throw attempts, and the Grizzlies finished with 33 fouls.
Jaren Jackson Jr. fouled out on what seemed to be a questionable call that was also reviewed for a flagrant foul.
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Jenkins also pointed out one play where he said officials blew the whistle before contact happened on a Timberwolves player.
“I’ve never seen a more inconsistent, arrogant officiated game,” Jenkins said. “It’s embarrassing. I’m at a loss for words. I’m not going to go as far as saying that’s the reason we lost, but I’m going to let it be known that’s messed up.”
Jenkins said that he’ll take whatever fine the NBA gives him. He said his message was about standing up for his players.
Contact Damichael Cole at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com and on Twitter @damichaelc
