Grizzlies’ GG Jackson Questions Refereeing Discrepancies

In the NBA, it seems star players sometimes get a bit of special treatment, and GG Jackson, a guard for the Grizzlies, feels that acutely. Following a recent loss to the Rockets, he expressed his frustration, pointing out the contrasting treatment he thinks he receives compared to superstars like Kevin Durant.

“It’s unbelievable how a ref can be fooled,” Jackson remarked after the game. “I have a lot of respect for him—he’s a legend—but I, along with other players, bust our tails just like he does. I mean, we all lace up our shoes the same way.” It’s a relatable sentiment, isn’t it?

The game saw the Rockets shooting 26 free throws, of which Durant made seven, while Jackson’s team only scored 18, with him contributing just two. Jackson commented on the unevenness of the flow, saying, “It felt like things were going downhill, physical as always. I just wasn’t getting any calls.” He observed how Durant would, you know, jab-step and jump, seemingly evading contact yet still getting the benefit of the doubt.

Interestingly, Durant’s teammate, Tali Eason, offered Jackson a dose of realism. Jackson recounted Eason’s words: “‘Brother, you’re not KD.’ That stung a bit—I’m thinking, ‘I’m the closest thing to him on this court right now.'” His confidence seems commendable, even if not fully reciprocated in the eyes of others.

This season, Jackson is averaging 12 points per game, ranking him eighth among other Grizzlies players who have participated in at least 15 games. Unfortunately, the Grizzlies’ season has not gone well—currently standing at 24-49 and out of playoff contention, in stark contrast to the Rockets, who are 44-29, eager for success after acquiring Durant.

Jackson seemed particularly miffed about a foul call involving Alperen Sengun, feeling he wasn’t getting the respect from the officials, specifically mentioning referee John Goble. “I tried to get his attention, but he looked at me like I was invisible,” Jackson said, clearly still irritated. “I wanted to understand what he saw, but he said he hadn’t seen the entire play. Then why mention it?”