Teams speak out on Nichols’ death

Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins watched a televised interview Friday of Tyre Nichols’ mother speaking about the loss of her son and lost control of his emotions.

“I cried,” Jenkins said. The outrage, frustration, sadness and anger was evident around the NBA on Friday night after video was released showing how Nichols, a 29-year-old father, was killed by five Memphis police officers.

Several teams released statements of support for the family, as did the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association.

And the emotions around the league were palpable, as has been the case so many times after so many other incidents of violence by police against Black men and women in recent years.

“This is just crazy,” said Miami coach Erik Spoelstra, who opened his pregame news conference Friday by speaking about Nichols before any questions were asked.

The officers, who are also Black, all face second-degree murder charges, as well as charges of aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression.

And the Grizzlies played with heavy hearts Friday night in Minneapolis — the city where George Floyd, a Black man, was killed after a white police officer pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck in an act that sparked protests worldwide over police brutality and racism.

“The senseless loss of life for Tyre Nichols has really hit us hard,” Jenkins told Bally Sports in a pregame interview from Minnesota. “It’s been tough being on the road, not being home. I wish I could extend my arms through this camera right now to the family. They’re going through a lot.”

There was a moment of silence before the game in Minnesota. Several teams, including Miami, Atlanta, Cleveland, Minnesota and Milwaukee, released statements.

“We are outraged by the deadly beating that Tyre Nichols received from five Memphis police officers,” the Bucks said in their statement.

Curry, Embiid hit with fines

The NBA fined Stephen Curry and Joel Embiid $25,000 apiece Friday for actions on the court Wednesday night.

Curry was penalized for throwing his mouthpiece into the crowd late in Golden State’s 122-120 win over the Grizzlies. Embiid’s fine was for an obscene gesture during Philadelphia’s victory over Brooklyn.

Friday’s highlights

Giannis Antetokounmpo had 41 points, 12 rebounds and six assists as Milwaukee topped host Indiana 141-131 . ... The Warriors beat the Raptors 129-117 in San Francisco behind 35 points and 11 assists from Stephen Curry . ... Oklahoma City beat visiting Cleveland 112100 as Shai GilgeousAlexander scored 35 points, his fourth straight game with at least 30.