Memphis Grizzlies fans walked toward the exits as a loud "Let's go Celtics" chant broke out inside FedExForum on Monday night.
The Boston Celtics were in firm control and on their way to a 117-103 win over the Grizzlies. Along with the loud chant, their was a heavy presence of Celtics fans at an important Grizzlies game for playoff positioning.
Grizzlies players weren't pleased with amount of green in the arena.
"That can't happen," Santi Aldama said. "It pissed me off."
Boston is one of the biggest national brands in the NBA. Memphis isn't the only place Celtics fans can travel and make a game turn into somewhat of a 50-50 crowd. Many other NBA teams can attest to a similar takeover.
The Grizzlies (44-31) have lost six of their last seven games. They have a half-game lead over the Golden State Warriors for the fifth seed in the Western Conference standings.
Golden State is like Boston in terms of having a strong road presence with fans. Memphis will play the Warriors in FedExForum on Tuesday (7 p.m., FanDuel Sports Network).
Saturday's loss against the Los Angeles Lakers had a similar feel, too.
"That can't happen," Desmond Bane said. "We go to other teams' arena and we feel the other team's energy, their crowds and things like that. That's two games in a row where the other team has had a presence here."
In sports, winning can be a cure. The recent rough stretch has the Grizzlies in need of a win. Even if Golden State fans show up in massive numbers Tuesday, Scotty Pippen Jr. won't be too annoyed if he has his way.
"I think it's only annoying if you lose," he said. "If we win the game, they're not going to say anything. If we win, we'll shut it all up."
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies players react to Celtics fans takeover at FedExForum
