Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley is fighting through the pain in his foot to remain on the court for his team in the playoffs.
Conley has a foot injury which forced him to sit out the final four games of the regular season, and he paints a bleak image of the ailment.
"It's right on the inside of the arch," Conley told Michael Wallace of ESPN on Wednesday. "It's a sprain of the plantar tendon and the spring ligament, or something.
"All I know is it's a tough spot to have one right now. It's a weight-bearing injury, so any weight you put on it will make it last longer. Normally, you'd be walking around in a medical boot, immobilized and not doing anything. But I know we don't have time for that."
Conley has looked perfectly healthy, judging by his performance. He's posted averages of 17 points per game on 54.5 percent shooting from the field while thoroughly outplaying his counterpart, Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard.
Conley says the injury is in the one place on the foot where he can't receive injections for pain relief. Instead, he goes through a rigorous rehab - including massages, stretching and various wraps - that occupies most of his waking hours. He even wears an electronic stimulation device in his sleep to help facilitate blood flow to his foot.
"It's a lot of sleepless nights, constantly doing rehab, constantly in a tub or constantly hooked up to some machine trying to fix my foot,” Conley added. “It's going to flare up, no matter what I do. It's my new routine, my new reality right now.
"It's what I have to do to get ready, and I'm happy doing it because I know I'm able to play. And whatever I have to do to play, I'm doing."
Conley's commitment and endurance have translated to wins for the Grizzlies. Conley has helped his team to a 2-0 series lead while outscoring Portland by an average of 14.5 points per game.
