Columnist calls out refs for one-sided called Lakers-Grizzlies game

Memphis Grizzlies players are probably aware of recent fines handed out by the NBA to players like Jason Kidd and Derrick Rose for complaining about officiating, so they left it up to Commercial-Appeal columnist Geoff Calkins to lodge a protest for them.

In his Wednesday column, Calkins wrote under the headline, “It’s tough to win when refs take sides”—and he may have a point.

The Lakers, in their 116-111 double overtime win in Memphis Tuesday night, were called for just 12 personal fouls; the Grizzlies were called for 27. The Lakers shot 34 free throws; the Grizzlies shot five, two of which were on technical fouls. Additionally, Kobe Bryant played 52 minutes and was not called for a single foul.

Calkins writes, “I never write about officials. It comes off as homerish, among other things. But it’s impossible to put up 116 shots and get fouled just twice. Flat-out impossible.”

Grizzlies power forward Marc Gasol took the high road. “We don’t make excuses,” Gasol said.

Pressed to comment on the officiating, Gasol said, “I’m not going to go there. “I’m not going to give my money away. ... I just saved $50,000.”