Grizzlies Top 5 Moments of the Decade

“The Mask Game”

Three games into the 2015 Playoffs, Mike Conley took an inadvertent elbow from CJ McCollum that fractured his face. He missed the next three games, and the Grizzlies went 1-2. After seeing his team lose the first game against the Warriors, Conley decided to return early and wear a mask to protect his face. Not only did the Grizzlies win the game, but Conley turned in one of, if not the most iconic individual performance in Grizzlies’ history.

Going up against the Warriors at this time was no easy task for any team, especially in their home arena. They were a menace, and won 67 games in the 2014-15 season. Their system was an incredible display of player and ball movement that often wore opponents down because of how much their players moved. They were the exact opposite of the Grit and Grind Grizzlies. The two teams had faced off before and played some great games. This series was no different.

Masked Mike debuted in game two of the series, and was an immediate game changer. He scored 9 of the Grizzlies’ first 14 points. Conley also came up huge down the stretch, hitting tough floaters and clutch threes. He finished with 22 points. Not only did he lead the offense, but he was huge on defense as well. He helped limit MVP Stephen Curry to 19 points on 7/19 shooting.

Conley not only showed his toughness, but he showed the world how great he truly is. He’s often been considered the most underrated player in the league. After this game, though, people knew not to overlook him any longer. Conley did the impossible. He came into Oracle Arena, home of the mighty Warriors, injured, and was the best player on the court. After the series returned to Memphis, the fans rallied behind Conley, wearing masks of their own. He toughed out the rest of the series, but the Grizzlies eventually lost in 6, while the Warriors went on to win the championship.