Photo: The Canadian Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Taylor Jenkins has risen to the top of the Memphis Grizzlies coaching ladder.

With Memphis wins 117-111 against the Philadelphia 76ers On Wednesday night, Jenkins, in his sixth season as coach of the Grizzlies, earned his 215th victory, moving him past Lionel Hollins as the winningest coach in franchise history.

“It’s an incredible honor to be among so many great coaches that came before me,” Jenkins said postgame following a celebration with his team in the locker room. “I always talk about the incredible responsibility of being the coach of this franchise. It is a privilege and an honor.

The Memphis Grizzlies coaching tree includes Hubie Brown and Mike Fratello, as well as Hollins and current Detroit Pistons coach JB Bickerstaff.

Jenkins held various positions with the San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks before being named head coach of the Grizzlies in June 2019. He reached the Western Conference playoffs three years in a row before injuries did sideline the streak last year.

As for the celebration, guard Desmond Bane, who scored 21 points in Wednesday’s win, said “it was special” for the coach he considers the best he ever played for.

“Coach Jenkins is the best coach in Memphis Grizzlies history,” Bane said. “He deserves it. A humble guy. … It was good for him to accept it just because he’s such a humble guy.

For Jenkins, he enjoyed the moment, was grateful for the accomplishment, but after a short celebration and reflection, it was all about getting ready for the Grizzlies’ road game against Chicago on Saturday.

“At the end of the day, it’s not about me,” Jenkins said. “We still have a lot of work to do. But I wake up every day feeling happy.

“It’s an absolute blessing to be in this position.”

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