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Memphis Grizzlies Throwback: The time Mike Conley became a Superhero

By Demarius Davis

May 5, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) looks on during the fourth quarter in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Grizzlies defeated the Warriors 97-90. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) looks on during the fourth quarter in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Grizzlies defeated the Warriors 97-90. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Around two years ago, the most iconic moment of the Memphis Grizzlies’ franchise history happened. Mike Conley put on a mask and became a star.

Mike Conley has raised his game to new heights this season. He has carried the Memphis Grizzlies all season, averaging career-highs in points and 3-point percentage. In the playoffs, he somehow improved on those numbers, averaging 24.7 points on a 48.5/44.7/83.8 shooting slash, seven assists and 1.7 steals. At this point though, the highlight of his career was in the 2015 playoffs. Lets take a look back at one of Captain Clutch’s finest moments.

The Build-up

The Warriors earned the one-seed after a surprising 67-win season. The Splash Brothers, along with Draymond Green, each took significant steps forward to lead the team to a spectacular season. Through the leadership of Andre Iguodala, the Warriors also had the top bench in the league. They swept the Pelicans in a tough first-round matchup. They, then, went on to obliterate the Grizzlies in Game 1.

The Memphis Grizzlies had a great season and looked to take the next step as elite. They grinded out 55 wins to celebrate their 20th season in the NBA. They rode a top-3 Defense to the fifth-seed and the second round of playoffs. Marc Gasol was the lone All-Star, but the team as a whole was talented. The Grizzlies dropped the Trailblazers in five games, but Conley injured his face in Game 3. He missed the next three games and watched the Warriors dominated his team in Game 1.

Despite being ruled out for the postseason, he returned the next game wearing a mask.

Mask on …

What happened

Many people were unsure of the impact Mike Conley would have on the game, especially since he was playing with a mask for the first time.

Most spectators expected a blowout at the hands of Golden State. Curry was awarded his first MVP, but Conley immediately stole the show. He scored nine quick points to set the tone in the first quarter. Memphis’ defense suffocated Golden State for most of the game. Money Mike finished the game with 22 points and three assists in 27 minutes. He and Tony Allen played inspiring defense in a 97-90 victory for the Grizz.

Next: Is Mike Conley Officially Elite?

Aftermath

The Memphis Grizzlies went on to win Game 3 at home to take a 2-1 lead over top team in the league. Game 4 was a slugfest, but the Warriors prevailed to tie the series at 2-2. Tony Allen injured his hamstring in a Game 5 loss on the road. He was limited to just 5 minutes in the Game 6 loss at home which eliminated Memphis from the field.

The lasting image from that season is Mike Conley wearing a facemask. For him to take on the league MVP with a broken face and come out on top was amazing.

This was Captain Clutch at his finest moment.

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