Grizzlies' Conley on playing Game 2 vs. Warriors, says 'I believe I will'
The Memphis Grizzlies may get a surprising boost for Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal series against the Golden State Warriors.
After it was reported earlier on Monday that point guard Mike Conley was likely to miss a fourth consecutive game due to the facial fracture he suffered in Game 3 of the team's first-round series in Portland, Conley said later on Monday that he believes he will suit up for Tuesday's contest, adding that he's been medically cleared to play.
Conley underwent surgery to install a metal plate in his face last Monday, and has been seen sporting a protective mask on the court since then.
The 27-year-old point guard averaged 15.8 points, 5.4 assists, three rebounds and 1.3 steals during the regular season, but aside from his expected statistical contribution, it's his ability to potentially disrupt MVP Stephen Curry that Grizzlies fans are relying on.
Memphis will be hard-pressed to upset the top-seeded Warriors even with Conley, one of the game's better defensive point guards, but it's a virtually impossible task without him.
Golden State took Game 1 of the series, 101-86, with Conley on the sidelines.