Mike Conley put the Memphis Grizzlies on his back time and time again this season. What were some of his best performances of the season?
Mike Conley, no longer known as the most underrated point guard after he signed the highest NBA contract ever, came into the season with a chip on his shoulder.
Conley, like never before, was explosive offensively during the 2016-17 regular season and playoffs. After signing the $153M max contract with the Memphis Grizzlies in the summer, Conley went from being the adored, underrated player to the massively overpaid point guard. Coming into this past season, his career-high scoring average was 17.2, a stat that fueled most of the criticism towards him. He knew what responsibilities came with that tag price, and he came up big throughout the season.
Mike Conley had a career year in almost every offensive category possible, averaging 20.5 points on 46/40.8/85.9 shooting split, 3.5 rebounds and 6.3 assists. He had an incredible amount of superb games, but let’s go over his best five games of the season.
5. Memphis Grizzlies vs Charlotte Hornets – 11/21/2016
In a game that no other Grizzlies player scored more than 14 points, Conley dropped 31 points on 11-for-21 shooting (5-for-8 on threes). He also added four rebounds, two assists, three steals and only one turnover. Conley, once again, lifted the team with a magnificent performance where he outplays Kemba Walker and insures a Grizzlies win.
4. Memphis Grizzlies vs Brooklyn Nets- 02/13/2017
Conley was on fire in this matchup against Brooklyn, as he dropped 32 points on 10-for-16 shooting (2-for-4 on 3-pointers) and six dimes. This was Conely’s fifth 30-point game of the season, and he came up big in clutch minutes and helped the Grizzlies win their fourth game of their last five outings during that stretch.
3. Memphis Grizzlies vs Indiana Pacers- 03/29/2017
The Memphis Grizzlies were in need of a spark, and their Conductor delivered. He stepped up in Gasol’s absence and lead the Grizzlies to a commanding victory over Paul George and the Pacers. Conley scored 36 points on 13-for-21 shooting (7-for-12 on threes). He also added three rebounds, six assists, four steals and only one turnover.
2. Memphis Grizzlies vs Phoenix Suns- 01/30/2017
One of Mike’s best game of the season came on the road vs the Phoenix Suns. Conley was red-hot from the field, as he scored 38 points on 12-for-18 shooting (7-for-10 on 3’s!). In a nationally televised game, Conley displayed his offensive prowess and his wizardry with the ball. Conley also added six rebounds, nine assists, and two steals to seal the win.
1. Memphis Grizzlies vs San Antonio Spurs- 04/22/2017
Mike Conley’s best game of the season and best game of his career came on the biggest stage. The Memphis Grizzlies were in desperation mode as they’re down 2-1 to the San Antonio Spurs. Conley gathered the team behind him and delivered his best game ever, a game that showed he’s one of the league’s superstars. In a star-studded duel against Kawhi Leonard, Mike Conley didn’t shy away from the moment, dropping 35 points on 13-for-23 shooting ( 4-for-8 from downtown). Captain Clutch shows up whenever he’s needed the most as he scored the game-tying basket with four seconds to go in the 4Q. Mike Conley also nearly pulled off a triple-double, as he collected eight rebounds and nine assists.
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Take that for data!