Mike Conley’s Game 1 numbers don’t jump off the page. Sixteen points on 6-of-11 shooting is a nice output, but that’s nothing special. One assist isn’t what you expect to get from your starting point guard, and one rebound doesn’t impress, either.
Mike Conley carried the Grizzlies with an inspirational Game 1 performance
The Grizzlies’ point guard fought off a nasty foot injury to lead the Grizzlies’ efficient offense and shut down Damian Lillard in the process.
And yet, it was Conley who inspired Memphis' 100-86 rout of the Blazers in Game 1 of their first-round series. His 24 minutes while dealing with an injury that felt like a golf ball lodged in his foot featured efficient offense, lockdown defense and much, much more. It was yet another standout performance that went largely unnoticed.
Conley’s defense was especially important in Game 1. He held Damian Lillard to just 5-of-21 shooting from the field despite the foot injury, forcing Lillard to miss all six of his three-point attempts. Conley had help, but he was the primary defender for most of the game, via NBA.com.
The play below is a perfect example of how Conley was able to slow Lillard down.
First, Conley pressures Lillard above the three-point line and forces him away from a potential LaMarcus Aldridge screen. Then, as Lillard makes his move, Conley uses his foot speed to stay with him. The result is a tough step back jumper from about 20 feet away, one which Conley contests well.
Here’s another example on a different type of play.
Lillard stands in the left corner, preparing to curl off two screens towards the top of the key. Conley recognizes this and blows up the play by jumping the passing lane. This is a great example of a player combining his physical tools with his mental ones.
Conley made a big impact offensively as well. Backup Beno Udrih may have scored 20 points, but Conley actually had a better plus-minus (plus-12 compared to plus-2). This was no coincidence. Conley created 21 Grizzlies points in the paint, per NBA.com, and was able to break down Portland's defense all night. Here's an example.
Check out Conley’s hesitation dribble to beat Robin Lopez. It’s a thing of beauty. Better yet, Conley powered off the same right foot that is currently beset by plantar fasciitis.
There’s a reason the Grizzlies won 55 games this season despite not having a go-to player. They have one of the best starting lineups in the league, a group where all five players play a key role. Conley’s role is especially important as Memphis goes against a Blazers team that gets much of its offense from the point guard spot.
If he can continue fighting through the pain, the Blazers are in trouble.
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