Conley: Grizzlies players will cover Fizdale's fine

Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley said his coach, David Fizdale, won't be paying the $30,000 fine levied against him by the NBA on Wednesday for criticizing the league's officiating.

"We told him right away, you're not going to have to pay that," Conley said, according to the San Antonio Express-News' Mike Finger. Conley also told the Memphis Commercial Appeal's Ronald Tillery that he sent Fizdale a "thank you" text at 4 a.m. Tuesday, and said the players will collectively reimburse the rookie head coach for any fine.

Related: Pau Gasol on Fizdale rant: 'I didn't get to the free-throw line'

Fizdale slammed the referees' treatment of his team following Monday's 96-82 Game 2 loss to the Spurs. While it was clear mid-rant that he would be fined by the league, such diatribes can also have the effect of galvanizing a squad in the face of adversity.

Fizdale was long known as a players' coach during his time as an assistant with the Miami Heat, and by all accounts the Grizzlies have responded well to him in his first year as their bench boss.

The Grizzlies return home to face the Spurs in Game 3 on Thursday. Memphis is 24-17 at FedEx Forum this season.