Memphis’ Mike Conley returned just eight days after having facial surgery to lead the Grizzlies to a rare 97-90 win at Golden State on Tuesday to square their NBA Western Conference semi-final series 1-1.
Atlanta too put its series against Washington on an even keel with a comfortable home-court victory.
Conley, wearing a clear mask to protect his swollen face and red left eye, stole the spotlight from newly minted league MVP Stephen Curry. He made his first four shots to get the Grizzlies going, finished with 22 points, and Memphis did the rest on defence.
“I didn’t have too many times where I felt like my vision was impaired by looking too fast or the mask getting in the way,” Conley said. “It does get hot. I had to open it up a few times and let the sweat come down and let the steam out a little bit.”
Zach Randolph had 20 points and seven rebounds, and Marc Gasol and Courtney Lee scored 15 points each to help the Grizzlies end Golden State’s 21-game home-winning streak. The Warriors dropped to 42-3 this season at rowdy Oracle Arena, losing for the first time at home in more than three months.
Game 3 is on Saturday in Memphis.
At Atlanta…Atlanta capitalised on the absence of Washington’s John Wall to beat the Wizards 106-90 and level the series 1-1.
Wall, who finished the series opener with an injured left hand, was scratched just before Game 2, shortly after the Wizards insisted he would play. Ramon Sessions did an admirable job filling in, leading his team with 21 points, but Washington lost for the first time in these playoffs.
DeMarre Carroll scored 22 points and Kyle Korver bounced back from a miserable first half to lead the Hawks to victory.
Game 3 is on Saturday at Washington.
