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Top 10 Things Memphis Grizzlies Fans Should Be Thankful For

By Christian Dudley

SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 21: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies before the game against the San Antonio Spurs on November 21, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 21: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies before the game against the San Antonio Spurs on November 21, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SAN ANTONIO, TX – NOVEMBER 21: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies walks off the court after an NBA game against the San Antonio Spurs on November 21, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. The Memphis Grizzlies won 104-103. 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 Edward A. Ornelas/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX – NOVEMBER 21: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies walks off the court after an NBA game against the San Antonio Spurs on November 21, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. The Memphis Grizzlies won 104-103. 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 Edward A. Ornelas/Getty Images) /

Mike Conley’s Full Return

The biggest reason for the Memphis Grizzlies’ disappointing 2017-18 season record was the absence of their conductor and floor general, Mike Conley.

The Ohio State product missed 70 total games last season, but as previously mentioned, he was able to make a full recovery because the Grizzlies allowed him to be shut down. This decision was brutal at first, but it only helps this franchise in the long-term.

“Captain Clutch” has been huge for Memphis during their 12-5 record, especially over the course of the current five-game winning streak. As Conley has adapted to regular season form, his shooting has returned.

Related Story. Memphis Grizzlies: Wherever Mike Conley Goes, Grizzlies Go. light

Over the past five games, Mike is averaging 24.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.0 steals per game on 49.4% shooting accuracy. From three-point range, No. 11 has been deadly — 45.5% accuracy from beyond the arc.

Though he is only making 75.9% of his free-throws in that stretch, he has been getting to the line nearly six times per game. A career 81.4% shooter from the charity stripe, Mike is averaging 81.3% on the season, so his slight drop in the five recent wins is not at all a concern.

Up until Thanksgiving, Mike Conley is playing the third-most efficient basketball of his NBA career. It is safe to say that he has returned to full strength. Marc Gasol plays a huge role in the success of this team, but Mike Conley is just as important. Without him, the record would resemble something similar to last season’s.

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