May 9th: This Date in Memphis Grizzlies History, Part I

MEMPHIS, TN – MAY 09: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors during Game three of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2015 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on May 9, 2015 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

May 29th brings back a few critical playoff memories of the Memphis Grizzlies. This edition focuses on Game 3 between the Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors.

On this particular date in 2015, the Memphis Grizzlies were dueling with the Stephen Curry-led Golden State Warriors.

The Warriors has notched a league-best 67-15 record. Clearly they would be the favorites versus the Grizzlies, but being the overall top-seeded club, Golden State was the instant pick versus any other opponent.

Not only were the Warriors red-hot in 2014-15, but Mike Conley was feeling it as well. “Mac-11” was playing the best basketball of his career, which commanded some MVP chants in the Grindhouse.

Conley had recently returned from suffering a literal broken face in the previous round after a collision with the Portland Trail Blazers’ C.J. McCollum. Memphis took care of business in five games in Mike’s absence.

This battle was a true underdog story. Memphis was taking on Goliath. Game 3 was starting to feel as if it was the Grizzlies’ year to win it all. Parade comin’ down Beale?

Relive the epic night via the video directly below. You can feel the energy from May 9th, 2015, especially after the sneaky steal by Tony Allen on Golden State’s Klay Thompson.

The Grizzlies won the match by holding Stephen Curry to 23 points. Memphis also controlled the boards — corralling 44 compared to Golden State’s 39.

Marc Gasol was responsible for 15 of those 44 Grizzly rebounds. He played like the biggest and strongest player on the floor, as he always should.

Memphis’ perimeter defense was on point in this Game 3. They forced the Warriors into shooting 23.1% (6/26) from beyond the arc. The Grizzlies stopped Golden State from playing the style that earned them 67 victories.

To top it off, Gasol and Zach Randolph performed like the Blues Brothers of Beale Street that they were known for — each toppling the 20-point mark.

Following the Game 3 win, with a final score of 89-99, Memphis would swing a 2-1 series lead. However, the round was far from being over. In short, the Warriors would victoriously take the series in six games prior to becoming the eventual NBA World Champions.

Memphis fell short, but there were some very admirable playoff performances by Grizzlies that literally poured in their blood, sweat, and tears while attempting to bring a championship to Memphis, Tennessee.

Go Grizz!

Home/Grizzlies All-Time Lists