Memphis Grizzlies: Ranking NBA Playoff Runs During The Mike Conley, Marc Gasol Era

2017

The 2017 squad was similar to the 2016 team, but this time they were actually healthy. This time around they had Mike Conley and Marc Gasol around which made them much more competitive. They struggled on the road, but they were able to get two home wins as they lost to the Spurs in six games in the first round.

Kawhi Leonard was a man on a mission during this series as he averaged 31.2 points per game on 55% shooting from the field and 48% from three-point range. They had Conley and Gasol in this series, but they were without Tony Allen in this series which was a huge loss for them.

They really struggled to defend Leonard in this series even though they did have some players come in and contribute such as Wayne Selden and James Ennis. It was a team effort defending him and for the most part, they had no answer.

There are a couple of moments that people will remember most from that series. One of those moments is the famous David Fizdale press conference after game two. The Grizzlies weren’t getting the same foul calls that the Spurs were and he wasn’t a fan at all. He felt his team wasn’t being given a chance.

That press conference gave the Grizzlies a spark as they would come home and win both games three and four. They were the last two playoff wins this team will have and that game four will never be forgotten amongst Grizzlies fans.

Memphis would win that game 110-108 in overtime in what was a fantastic back and forth game with both teams stars playing at a high level. Kawhi Leonard had 42 to lead all scorers while Mike Conley had 35 to lead the Grizzlies.

There were so many clutch plays made in this game by so many different players. Kawhi Leonard hit many clutch shots while Mike Conley made some as well including the shot to force overtime. Marc Gasol was the hero in this game as he knocked down the game-winning jumper in the middle of the lane in the final second of overtime to put them by two.

This was a fun series full of many big moments. At the time we didn’t expect it to be the last postseason appearance with the group, but here we are. They didn’t advance in the playoffs, but it was still a memorable postseason for the Grizzlies.