Newsflash: Stars get favorable whistles in the NBA.
Complaining about how he doesn’t get the same benefit of the doubt as future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant, GG Jackson — a third-year guard on the Grizzlies — accused NBA referees of pandering to players of Durant’s stature.
“Just unbelievable how the refs can suck up to somebody,” Jackson said after the Grizzlies lost to the Rockets on Friday night. “He’s the G.O.A.T. so I respect him, but as far as us other guys, we bust our ass like he does, tie our shoes like how he ties his shoes.”
The Rockets shot 26 free throws (seven by Durant) to the Grizzlies’ 18 (two by Jackson).
“I ain’t going to sugarcoat it: I felt as though I was getting downhill and being physical as I usually am – getting no calls,” Jackson said. “But KD can jabstep, jabstep, and just jump up and down and your hand be right there. You can clearly see on the replay, nobody touched him.”
Durant’s teammate, Tari Eason, apparently dealt a cold dose of reality to Jackson.
“And you got Eason [saying], ‘Bro, you’re not KD,’” Jackson said. “I’m like, ‘On this court right now, I’m the closest one to him.’”
Jackson’s 12 points per game rank eighth on the Grizzlies among players with at least 15 games played this season. The Grizzlies (24-49) have been eliminated from playoff contention, while the Rockets (44-29) are in championship-or-bust mode after acquiring Durant in the offseason.
Jackson had a specific gripe about a play where he thought he drew foul on Alperen Sengun and wanted official John Goble’s (Mr. John) attention.
“They always tell me when I foul, ‘You went from A to B, you went from A to B,’” Jackson said motioning his arms downward. “I’m like, ‘Bro, I’m 6-foot-10. At the rim. I promise you I’m not just going to miss those.’
“I’m trying to get his attention, trying to get his attention and he’s looking at me like this. I’m like, ‘Bro, I’m just trying to ask you a question on what did you see?’ [He said], ‘I didn’t see the whole play.’ Why you out here referring then? I don’t get it.”
