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The Memphis Grizzlies have parted ways with Taylor Jenkins and appointed Tuomas Iisalo, the former head coach of Telekom Baskets Bonn and Paris, to take over on an interim basis.
Iisalo made his first appearance as interim head coach against the Los Angeles Lakers but was unable to clinch a victory. Following the game, he expressed his perspective and emphasized the need for his team to enhance their performance.
“Often, you don’t fully grasp what occurred during the game until you review the footage. However, I can already say we didn’t execute the fundamentals in the first half, so we need to improve,” Iisalo remarked.
Despite the defeat, he maintained a positive outlook.
“I found some encouraging elements. Winning is the primary goal, but after a sluggish start, we performed significantly better in the second half.”
As the playoffs approach, the Grizzlies hold a record of 44-30, positioning them fifth in the Western Conference.
“We shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves. Our focus must be on daily improvement,” he noted.
Ja Morant, the team’s standout player, shared his feelings regarding the unexpected coaching shift.
“It’s challenging for me. Coach Taylor has been with me since my arrival here. Everything I’ve accomplished in a Grizzlies jersey has been under his guidance. It was a lot to take in,” Morant acknowledged.
The Memphis Grizzlies are still poised for a direct playoff berth but currently hold only a two-win lead over the Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
