Grizzlies Head Coach Dave Joerger Praises Team, Cries After Sweep vs. Spurs

Despite getting swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the NBA playoffs, Memphis Grizzlies head coach Dave Joerger couldn't be more proud of his team.

The No. 7-seeded Grizzlies gave the Spurs their all, even with injuries sidelining stars Mike Conley and Marc Gasol.

Among the fiercest scrappers were Matt Barnes and Vince Carter, who impressed Joerger by wanting to finish Game 4 on Sunday even with Memphis trailing by 20-plus points.

"That's what Grizzlies basketball is about," the coach said, holding back tears.

He went on:

"

These guys fought. I can't tell you enough how proud I am of every guy that is in that locker room and has come through that locker room. This season's been hard. It's been really hard. And they could've quit—could've quit. Could've not made the playoffs. And every day, they came out, and they fought like crazy.

"

As Joerger wrapped up, he chuckled and said, "This was not planned."

Getting swept is never fun, but Joerger was right to praise his team, severely undermanned as it was.

[NBA TV]