The Memphis Grizzlies have struggled thus far in the playoffs, losing to the Spurs in blowout fashion in each of the first two games of their first-round series. On Monday, frustrations boiled over after the game as head coach David Fizdale blasted officials for a huge free throw disparity between the two teams:
#Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale erupts on the refs and free throw disparity in Memphis' game 2 loss to the #Spurs ? pic.twitter.com/mD1w4qirt5
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) April 18, 2017
As for the data that Fizdale wants you to take:
The Grizzlies took 15 free throws on Monday, compared to the Spurs’ 32. Kawhi Leonard on his own went 17-17 from the line. Game one’s free throw disparity was not as huge with the Spurs taking 25 to the Grizzlies’ 17.
Obviously, there are a lot of factors here beyond what Fizdale is saying that affect the number of free throws. The Grizzlies, for example, do not have many players who drive into the paint and seek contact. Officials tend to let big guys get more physical which works to Memphis’ disadvantage as much of their offense is predicated on low-post scoring.
Nevertheless, Fizdale knows exactly what he is doing. He is sticking up for his team during a frustrating time. More importantly, he is putting the thought into the officials’ minds before game three, all but guaranteeing that they will give more whistles for the home team.
Oh and yes, you can expect Fizdale to be fined for this.
