​The Memphis Grizzlies lost their eighth straight game this past Sunday night, and their star player wasn't even on the court for the fourth quarter of it.





Marc Gasol was benched by head coach David Fizdale at the end of the third quarter against the Brooklyn Nets, and stayed there through the end of the game.





Fizdale explained after the game that he made the decision to go with a lineup that cut a 19-point deficit down to five points. Gasol, however, was not happy with the decision, and called the benching an "awkward situation."

The Grizzlies are not playing good basketball right now, and it's showing with their performances on the court. Perhaps Fizdale was trying to send a message here and get his veterans amped up.





However, if they want to get back on track, it starts with their star player.





And he needs to be out there, on the court, in the fourth quarter of games.