Grizzlies Insider: Taylor Jenkins says Grizzlies fans deserve better
“We have to come out and create our own energy,” Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins said. “We can’t have other teams come in here (and win), regardless of what our roster is or who is playing. You have to protect home court.” (Brandon Dill/AP File)
The Memphis Grizzlies’ dropped another game on Monday night after a fourth-quarter comeback attempt fell short against the Dallas Mavericks.
So a message that has been discussed for weeks continues to be preached by the Grizzlies’ coaching staff.
“It was the same thing,” Memphis wing David Roddy said. “We have to get better. We have to accept the challenge. It’s a long season and we have a lot to learn.
“Just, endure.”
Grizzlies fans, that goes for you, too.
The latest loss drops Memphis’ home record to 1-10 on the season. Last year, they finished with the best home record in the NBA, 35-6.
There are only three games until Ja Morant returns. At the very least, he will make the games more fun. But all the Grizzlies, including coach Taylor Jenkins, recognize how difficult this has been for the fans that pay to come to games.
“We have to come out and create our own energy,” Jenkins said. “We can’t have other teams come in here (and win), regardless of what our roster is or who is playing. You have to protect home court.
We have to come out with a better edge. We found it on the road in the recent stretch. I can’t put my finger on it, but we just have to play better.
“Our fans deserve better. We have to come out here and play with more energy.”
Jenkins can navigate questions as well as any coach in the league. But that answer was as straightforward as can be.
The players are just as upset about it. A building that is typically one of the liveliest environments in the NBA has taken a noticeable hit.
“You want to win for the fans,” Roddy said. “They are here for a reason. They pay good money to see us and support us. We are definitely disappointed in that, but we are going to keep on enduring to get as many wins for them as possible. We appreciate their support no matter what.”
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Drew Hill
Drew Hill covers the Memphis Grizzlies and is a top-10 APSE winner. He has worked throughout the South writing about college athletics before landing in Memphis.
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