Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson believes NBA officials favour veterans such as Kevin Durant compared to younger players, stating "it's unbelievable how the refs can suck up to somebody."

Durant powered the Houston Rockets to a 119-109 victory over the Grizzlies on Friday, leading the way with 25 points, 10 assists and six rebounds.

The 37-year-old made six of his seven free throws in the win, four of which came in the third quarter, while the Rockets took 26 from the charity stripe overall, compared to the Grizzlies' 18.

Jackson struggled from the field, making just five of his 14 field-goal attempts, with Olivier Maxence-Prosper's 31 points keeping the Grizzlies in the game until the latter stages.

However, Jackson felt the officials favoured Durant throughout the game, hitting out at a perceived lack of fairness. 

"KD can jab step and jab step and just jump up and down and your hand is right there," said Jackson, in his third season out of South Carolina.

"[You] clearly see on the replay that nobody touched him. It's unbelievable how the refs can suck up to somebody.

"He's the GOAT, so I respect that, but as far as us other guys, we bust our [tails] like he does."

Final. pic.twitter.com/89BPscHCl5

— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) March 28, 2026

While complaining to the officials during the game, the Rockets' Tari Eason told Jackson that he was not Durant, according to the Memphis forward.

After the game, Jackson said: "On this court, I'm the closest one to him [Durant]."

The Grizzlies are now 24-49 on the season as they continue to plan their rebuild, while the Rockets remain the sixth seed in the Western Conference with a 44-29 record.