Pau Gasol on Fizdale's rant: 'I didn't get to the free-throw line'
Pau Gasol dismissed the notion that the San Antonio Spurs are getting the benefit of the refs' whistle in their series against the Memphis Grizzlies.
"I didn't get to the free-throw line yet this series," Gasol said Wednesday, according to the San Antonio Express News' Melissa Rohlin.
Gasol was responding to Grizzlies coach David Fizdale's viral rant following Game 2. Fizdale's complaints about the officiating birthed a new buzz phrase before netting him a $30,000 fine Wednesday.
In the Spurs' Monday win, they shot 32 free throws as a team to the Grizzlies' 15.
"I think he's just trying to motivate his team, stand up for his team, that's it," Gasol said. "There's no other twist about it. You have to get your team going and you do it whichever way is necessary, I guess."
Gasol played 25 and 30 minutes off the bench in Games 1 and 2, scoring six and 10 points, respectively. The 36-year-old got to the foul line a career-low 2.9 times per game this season, largely due to a shifting role.
His younger brother Marc had a tough outing for Memphis on Monday as well. The All-Star was held to 12 points and six rebounds on just 4-of-15 shooting, two nights after dropping 32 in the series opener.
Game 3 goes Thursday in Memphis with San Antonio leading 2-0.