Marc Gasol was angry and baffled by his benching during the Memphis Grizzlies' loss to the Brooklyn Nets.

Memphis has now lost eight games in a row.

David Fizdale said he simply made decision to ride a lineup that cut a 19-point deficit to five points. Gasol said he was never given an explanation by anyone on the coaching staff, and called the benching an “awkward situation.”

“I don’t like it one bit,” Gasol said. “I’m more (angry) than I can show, and frustrated. But for the benefit of the team, I’ve got to show good leadership and continue to do my job.”

Gasol's comments to the media were measured.

"If I start venting, that would be counterproductive,” Gasol said. “But at the end of the day, I'm as competitive as anybody. I hate not playing. That's what I value most. If I'm not out there, I'm not valued. I'm sure they knew that would hurt me the most."

Fizdale said he wasn’t trying to send a message to Gasol.

“We’ll address it if it needs to be addressed but it was a pretty simple decision what I did,” Fizdale said. “It’s nothing against him. I’m trying to win a game. I’m desperate. I took a risk. Sometimes when you take a risk you may (upset) a player or two. That’s part of this position. I can own the decision and I have my reasons why. Winning is my only priority.”