Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson is discovering that superstars do get a slightly different whistle in the NBA.
Jackson had complaints about the way Kevin Durant was officiated during the Grizzlies’ 119-109 loss to the Houston Rockets on Friday at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.
“I felt as though I was getting downhill and being physical as I usually am, get no calls, but KD jabstep, jabstep, jump up and down, and you can clearly see on the replay, nobody touched him,” Jackson complained. “And you got [Tari] Eason, ‘bro, you’re not KD.’ On this court right now, I’m the closest one to him. Just unbelievable how the refs can suck up to somebody. He’s the GOAT so I respect him, but as far as us other guys, we bust our a– like he does, tie our shoes like how he ties his shoes.”
GG Jackson had some thoughts on the refs.
— Matt Infield (@Matt_Infield) March 28, 2026
Said he respects Kevin Durant, but on the whistle KD got compared to him:
"It's unbelievable how the refs can suck up to somebody."
Tari Eason told him "Bruh you not KD."
GG's response: "On this court? I'm the closest thing to him." pic.twitter.com/BDO0XynR7q
Durant got to the line seven times in the game, while Jackson only attempted two free throws. That obviously did not sit well with the rookie, but few would be surprised by it, especially in contrast with Jackson, a former second-round pick who is only in his third NBA season.
Durant is not necessarily always getting the benefit of the doubt from officials either. That won’t come as much consolation to Jackson, though.
