Mike Conley returned to the lineup, the Grizzlies found a way to neutralize MVP Stephen Curry and Splash Brother Klay Thompson, and Memphis grinded out a 97-90 Game 2 victory at Oracle Arena, evening their Western Conference semifinal at one game apiece while handing the Golden State Warriors their first loss of the postseason.
The Grizzlies' win also snapped a 21-game home winning streak for the Warriors, who entered the game 41-2 at Oracle between the regular season and playoffs.
The series will now shift to Memphis, but not before a three-day break in between, which should be welcomed with open arms by Conley, who also appeared to be dealing with leg cramps late in Game 2.
Turning Point
The Warriors trailed for all but 10 seconds of the game, but at one point late in the second quarter, it seemed they were on the verge of one of their patented, game-breaking outbursts.
Golden State had cut the deficit to two points with less than two minutes remaining in the second frame before the Grizzlies exploded for a 9-0 run over the final 1:15 of the quarter, with Tony Allen scoring five points in one 11-second span.
The run gave the Grizzlies an 11-point lead heading into halftime, and while the Warriors looked dangerous for small stretches of the second half, they never climbed within two possessions of the Grizz again.
Star Performer
Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol combined for 35 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and three steals, and Allen's defense alone put him in consideration for star performer honors, but the award has to go to Conley.
In his first game back since suffering facial fractures and having a metal plate inserted in his face less than two weeks ago, the Grizzlies' point guard put together an admirable performance, scoring a game-high 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting while helping limit Curry to a rare off-night (7-of-19 shooting).
Conley also provided the final dagger.
David Joerger on @mconley11: "I thought Mike Conley had tremendous heart to come out and give us what he had." pic.twitter.com/tk3PvljrHP
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 6, 2015
Highlight Reel
Tony Allen pads his All-Defensive Team credentials:
Curry can make a routine layup become something extraordinary:
- Draymond Green tests out Conley's protective mask
- Klay Thompson momentarily forgets how to basketball
Series At A Glance
Game 1: Warriors 101, Grizzlies 86 (Warriors lead 1-0)
Game 2: Grizzlies 97, Warriors 90
Game 3: Saturday, May 9, 8 p.m. ET
Game 4: Monday, May 11, 9:30 p.m. ET
Game 5*: Wednesday, May 13, TBD
Game 6*: Friday, May 15, TBD
Game 7*: Sunday, May 17, TBD
*If necessary
