NBA Fans React Over Controversial Call in Rockets-Grizzlies

While both teams were without their stars Ja Morant and Alperen Sengun, the Memphis Grizzlies played host to the Houston Rockets on Thursday night. The second and third seeds in the Western Conference, the game was expected to be a close battle despite the stars being absent. And so it was, as the game came down to the final possession and a controversial call before then.
After Jaren Jackson Jr. forced a miss on Houston's Fred VanVleet, the Grizzlies ran the fast break down 119-118 looking for a quick score to put them up. However, the referees called the timeout for Memphis, insisting that head coach Taylor Jenkins asked for one.
Taylor Jenkins was IRATE after the official blew the whistle for a Grizzlies timeout negating a wide open layup 🤯
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 31, 2025
Coach Jenkins was adamant that he did not ask for a timeout.
pic.twitter.com/ZvsQkojb8U
Jenkins was later shown irate on the sidelines to the official, as it negated an easy score for his Grizzlies. As a result of this play, fans took to social media to share their thoughts on the controversial call.
"Holy ****...one of the worst officiating moments of the season (of many of them). Taylor Jenkins was in no way calling a timeout there. Ridiculous!" one user commeneted.
"Didn't think it was possible, but these refs get worse and worse year after year," another user boldly stated.
"It’s ok the last 2 min report makes it all better," a user suggested.
"That is so crazy," a user exclaimed.
As can be seen by the reactions, people were not happy with the call. Luckily for Memphis, they were able to score on their next possession with free throws from Jackson Jr. and closed the game out 120-119.
WILD ENDING IN ROCKETS-GRIZZLIES 🍿
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 31, 2025
Jaren Jackson Jr. hits the go-ahead free throw after the refs mistakenly grant Grizzlies HC Taylor Jenkins a timeout. pic.twitter.com/UG7Wa2r5WX
Houston still finished the regular season series as winners of three of the four contests, as fans will have to wait now for a potential playoff matchup to come.
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