Though it was preseason action, it is very encouraging to see Mike Conley back in action for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Fans of the Memphis Grizzlies should be extremely happy. Not only did the Grizz play their first preseason game on Tuesday, but it also marked the return of a healthy Mike Conley.
Memphis has been without their starting point guard since November 13th of 2017. It really is no secret why the club struggled so mightily last season, finishing with an overall record of 22-60. Conley is the Grizzlies’ Most Valuable Player.
During Tuesday’s preseason matchup versus the Houston Rockets in Birmingham, Alabama, Mike Conley displayed his full arsenal on both ends of the floor.
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“The Conductor” got going early, as did his teammates. Memphis led for much of the first half, led by Conley’s 12 points on 5/9 shooting from the field. He also chipped in two rebounds and two assists after two quarters.
The game began on a 6-0 Grizzly run as a result of back-to-back triples from Garrett Temple and Conley, respectively. Mike’s shot resembled his smooth form from the 2016-17 season, where he averaged a career-best 20.5 points per game. It feels good to say that No. 11 has returned to form.
The Grizzlies made it evident that they will be a physical and aggressive squad. Conley did not back down either. He constantly became tangled with Rockets players on Tuesday. He was very active on defense, going after caroms and potential steals. Mike also put his speed and quickness on display, leaving defenders in their tracks.
With two minutes remaining in the first half, Conley took a hard hit to the midsection by way of a Houston Rockets pick. Though it knocked some wind out of the Memphis Grizzlies’ floor general, he stood up and played on. It was relieving to see Mike Conley play on without any wince or limp. This was a true sign of him being back to full health.
Memphis could not stay out of foul trouble and Houston’s high-powered offense was too much this early into the preseason schedule. Though the Grizzlies were defeated on Tuesday evening, Conley’s return was a greater victory than any final score could have shown for Memphis.
It has been an agonizing 11 months being without Mike Conley. Even in the offseason, it was unsure if and when No. 11 would reach full health. The fan base’s worries were real.
In 21 minutes, Mike finished contest with 16 points (6/13 shooting), two boards, and two assists. This was an excellent measuring stick of a game for Conley’s return to the hardwood. The Houston Rockets look to be a contending team in the Western Conference, and they are led by perhaps the best backcourt in the entire NBA.
With Conley having a solid showing versus the likes of Chris Paul and James Harden, there should not be any doubt of Mike’s health. This hurdle has been cleared. Now it is about gaining repetitions and being a true leader in this team’s 82-game journey toward a postseason berth.
We will get a second look at Conley’s progression on Friday when the Memphis Grizzlies’ preseason continues against the Atlanta Hawks inside the Grindhouse.