By Matt Levine works as a contributing writer for Newsweek based in California. His expertise is in covering the NBA but he also covers multiple other sports. He has been with Newsweek since 2024. He graduated in 2021 with a Master of Science degree in Sport Management from Louisiana State University. You can get in touch with him by emailingm.levine@newsweek.comand you can find him on X at@Levine1445. Writers Page
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The Memphis Grizzlies made the shocking decision to move away from head coach Taylor Jenkins early on Friday. This news came as quite a surprise to everyone around the NBA, especially with the postseason quickly approaching.
Read more: Grizzlies Shockingly Fire HC Taylor Jenkins Just Before Playoffs
We are about two weeks away from the playoffs starting, and Memphis remains one of the top teams in the Western Conference. The Grizzlies hold a record of 44-29 on the season, sitting in the No. 5 spot.
But this decision to part with Jenkins could have a profound impact on how the entire playoff picture shakes out. Memphis has multiple playoff teams left on its remaining schedule, potentially causing the standings to shift.
More news: What's Next For Grizzlies Following Shocking Firing of Taylor Jenkins?
However, with how tight the West playoff race is, losing even a few games could drastically alter a team's season.
Here is the remaining schedule for the Grizzlies:
vs Los Angeles Lakers
vs Boston Celtics
vs Golden State Warriors
@ Miami Heat
@ Detroit Pistons
@ Charlotte Hornets
vs Minnesota Timberwolves
@ Denver Nuggets
vs Dallas Mavericks
Currently, the Grizzlies are tied with the Lakers record-wise, and the two teams are scheduled to play this weekend. The winner of that game will take sole possession of the No. 4 seed and potentially have the inside track.
The games against the Warriors, Timberwolves, and Nuggets are also crucial. All of these teams are fighting for playoff positioning, being separated by just a few games.
Memphis was in the midst of a redemption season following an injury-riddled year. They still have talent on the floor, but big changes in the locker room can take precedence over everything.
Either this firing will help the Grizzlies band together to go on a surprising run, or they will falter under the weight of this change. Nobody knows how the firing of Jenkins will play out within the Grizzlies' locker room, potentially sending the team into a spiral.
Head coaches typically don't get fired this late into the season, so we are now in uncharted territory. Buckle up because the final few weeks of the regular season could get a little weird.
More Grizzlies news:
Grizzlies President Zach Kleiman Releases Statement on Taylor Jenkins Shockingly Being Fired
Top 3 Head Coach Candidates After Grizzlies Shockingly Fired Taylor Jenkins
Grizzlies Star To Miss Remainder of NBA Season
For more on the Memphis Grizzlies and the NBA at large, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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