Grizzlies fire coach David Fizdale amid losing streak

David Fizdale reportedly is out as coach of the Grizzlies.

Memphis fired Fizdale one day after the Grizzlies dropped their eighth straight game Sunday despite facing the dismal Nets, the team announced. After jumping out to a 5-1 start this season, the Grizzlies have lost 11 of 13 games and are still without star point guard Mike Conley (heel).

Fizdale, who was criticized for benching center Marc Gasol for the final 15:05, including the entire fourth quarter in Sunday's loss, will be replaced by associate head coach JB Bickerstaff in the interim.

“After a thorough evaluation, I decided a change in course was necessary to move forward and provide the team and organization its best chance at success this season and beyond,” Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said in a statement. “Coach Fizdale represented the Grizzlies and City of Memphis proudly, and we wish him well as he continues his career.”

Conley has been hampered all season by a sore left heel and Achilles tendon. He hasn't played since Nov. 15 while undergoing treatment. Although he's due to be evaluated again this week, the fear is he'll be sidelined even longer.

The loss of Conley (17.1 points, 4.1 assists per game) has definitely hurt, but several things went wrong Sunday against the 7-12 Nets that had nothing to do with Conley. After being tied at 47 at the half, the Grizzlies (7-12) came out flat in the third quarter. They gave up easy baskets on defense, and the Nets controlled the boards, especially on the offensive glass. Despite getting some open looks on offense, Memphis' shots didn't fall.

The result: The Nets built a 19-point lead in the third quarter. Although Memphis rallied to cut the margin to five in the fourth, it wasn't enough.

After leading the Grizzlies to the playoffs last season, Fizdale will end his coaching term with Memphis with a 50-51 record. Fizdale was an assistant in Miami during LeBron James and Dwyane Wade's time in South Beach. Both players were shocked with the Grizzlies' decision.

I need some answers. Feels like my man was a fall guy

— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 27, 2017

I need answers!!! WTF https://t.co/z39oNRQok0

— DWade (@DwyaneWade) November 27, 2017