San Antonio Spurs at Memphis Grizzlies - 4/20/17 NBA Pick, Odds, and Prediction

"We don't get the respect that these guys deserve because Mike Conley doesn't go insane". "It was a very poorly officiated basketball game". Kawhi Leonard shot all four of the Spurs' free throws that period, but the team connected on seven of their 14 attempts while limiting the Grizzlies to just 35 percent shooting.

And I applaud Fizdale for saying it. Memphis definitely got the short end of the stick with 15 free throws compared to San Antonio's 32, and it is odd to see the Grizzlies not getting respect from the officials - something that Fizdale alluded to.

"We don't get the respect that these guys deserve because Mike Conley doesn't go insane", said Fizdale, referring to the Grizzlies' starting point guard. "I know Pops got pedigree and I'm a young rookie, but they're not gone rook us like that".

Fizdale then joined the pantheon of head coach rants with a flourish, shouting, "Take that for data!" before pounding his hand on the table and walking off.

As for Fizdale's tirade, it's surprising he wasn't fined Tuesday morning after figuratively landing on the most expensive property of the NBA's Monopoly board by calling out the officials. I don't know what they're going to do.

"Players in general and coaches pull this card a lot, " Fizdale said. I got to be honest with you. "And if two of the three guys play well and we get someone to pitch in off the bench we're pretty unstoppable". "They shot 11 times in the paint and had 23 free-throws", he said.

"First half, we shot 19 shots in the paint, and we had six free throws", Fizdale argued.

That's more than the entire Memphis team, who were awarded 15 free throws (making 13 of them).

"But, again, I'm not going to emphasize it". But since Conley, who a year ago signed a contract worth an astonishing $153 million, is in a generous mood and he's a loyal guy above all, he should probably just take care of Fiz too. I think he went in and fought for his players, fought for his city. We have a lot of weapons on the team, a lot of guys that can make plays and knock down shots.

The first-year coach inferred there was a lack of respect from the referees for the Grizz that resulted in the Spurs attempting 17 more free throws than the Grizzlies.

With an upset looming however, Cleveland regained the initiative and two late free-throws from Irving put them 117-109 ahead as the final seconds counted down.