2015 NBA Playoffs: Mike Conley Returns, Tows Memphis Grizzlies To Big Road Win Over Golden State Warriors

Without Mike Conley in the line-up, the Memphis Grizzlies struggled in the opening game of their best-of-seven series against the Golden State Warriors. There was no such struggle with their court general back, as Grizzlies beat the Warriors, 97-90 in Game 2 to steal homecourt advantage of the Western Conference semi-finals.

Conley, who is coming off a facial surgery that required him to wear a mask in Tuesday’s game, led the way with 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting for the Grizzlies, which tied the series at one game apiece with the best-of-seven affair shifting to Memphis for the next two games.

Inspired by the return of their leader, the Grizzlies played to perfection their grind-it-out style to put the clamps down on the Warriors’ leading scorers. Newly-crowned Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry finished with 19 points but missed 12-of-19 shots overall and 2-of-11 from the three-point line. His backcourt partner, Klay Thompson did even worse ending up with 13 points on 6-of-15 shooting and missing 5-of-6 from behind the arc.

The Grizzlies led 28-22 after the first quarter and 50-39 after the first half. Golden State rallied from the double-digit deficit to cut down the lead to seven points, 87-80 with over three minutes to go in the game. Conley hit a clutch three-pointer to push the lead back to 10 points and the Grizzlies held on to the victory.

Helping Conley out on offence were Zach Randolph (20 points and 7 rebounds), Marc Gasol (15 points and 6 rebounds) and Courtney Lee (15 points). But defence was the name of the game as usual for the Grizzlies, which held the home team to just 31-of-74 field goal shooting (41.9%) and forced 20 turnovers. Tony Allen had four steals for the night.

Both teams will have a three-day rest before Saturday’s Game 3 set in Memphis.

To contact author of this article, email j.quizon@IBTimes.com.au.