The NBA has fined Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale $30,000 for public criticism of the officiating of Game 2 of their first-round playoff matchup against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, the league announced on Wednesday.
David Fizdale fined $30,000 for criticizing officials in famous ‘Take that for data’ rant
Fizdale crushed the officiating crew for a discrepancy in foul calls in Memphis’ loss to San Antonio.
Fizdale decimated the refereeing crew Monday night for failing to call fouls on his players during their 96-82 loss to the Spurs. San Antonio shot 32 free throws compared to Memphis’ 15. Kawhi Leonard attempted more foul shots (19) than all Grizzlies players combined.
“It’s unfortunate that I got a guy like Mike Conley who in his whole career has zero technical fouls,” Fizdale started. “He just cannot seem to get the proper respect from the officials that he deserves. ... We don’t get the respect that these guys deserve because Mike Conley doesn’t go crazy. He has class, and he just plays the game, but I’m not gonna let them treat us that way.
“I know Pop’s got pedigree and I’m a young rookie but they’re not gonna ‘rook’ us. That’s unacceptable. That was unprofessional. My guys dug in that game and earned to be in that game but they did not even give us a chance. Take that for data.”
In our review of Monday night’s game, we found that referees did, indeed, miss a ridiculous amount of foul calls on the Grizzlies, but called them for tick-tack fouls on the other end.
Here’s a call the Grizzlies didn’t get:
Here’s a foul call the Spurs got:
And here’s how the Grizzlies felt all night:
The Grizzlies trail the Spurs, 2-0, but they take the series back to Memphis for Game 3. Maybe the officiating will be to their liking in front of their home floor.
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