Memphis Grizzlies star center Marc Gasol is one unhappy man. Gasol is disappointed after sitting out the fourth quarter of their November 26 game against the Brooklyn Nets. The Grizzlies ended up losing to the Nets, 98-88. Memphis has now lost eight consecutive outings and fell to 7-12.
In a report by the Associated Press, Marc Gasol shared his thoughts about the benching. According to the two-time All-Star, he took it "personally." Gasol added that the decision of Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale frustrated and angered him. It also made him wonder.
While speaking to reporters following the defeat, Gasol stated that he is clueless as to why he got benched. He revealed that it was the first time this happened to him. The 32-year-old feels the Grizzlies do not value him.
Despite heading to the bench earlier than expected, Gasol provided good numbers for Memphis in a losing cause. He was one of the scoring leaders for the Grizzlies with 18 points. Former Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans, who came off the bench, had the same number of points. Gasol tallied five rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one rejection as well.
The explanation
Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale, who is responsible for the benching of Marc Gasol, explained his side.
Fizdale said that he went with the reserves in the fourth quarter because they had momentum. The bench players of the Grizzlies were able to cut the deficit and put the squad in a position to win. Unfortunately, they came up short.
Fizdale continued by claiming that "when you take a risk," someone will be upset and that is what exactly occurred.
As of the moment, it is unknown if this issue within the Memphis Grizzlies organization remains unresolved. They must quickly work on it since Gasol is currently their best player, and this could affect his performance moving forward.
Problems piling up
The benching of Marc Gasol is a new dilemma for the Memphis Grizzlies. Before it, the Grizzlies were already dealing with a couple of significant issues.
First, their starting point guard, Mike Conley, is on the sideline due to an Achilles tendon injury. Conley is expected to be out for some time. Second, with Conley out, the Grizzlies have extended their losing streak to eight games.
Instead of only having two problems, the Grizzlies now need to find ways how to return to the winning track, while also trying to fix the trouble with Gasol. The Grizzlies resume regular season action on November 29 when they visit the San Antonio Spurs.
