The point guard duo of Kyle Lowry and Mike Conley keeps paying dividends for the Grizzlies after the position suffered early in the year when Conley struggled with his shot as a starter.
In Saturday's double-overtime loss at San Antonio, Lowry (the starter) and Conley (off the bench) combined for 20 points, 10 assists and just two turnovers. And in Friday's win over the Pacers, Lowry and Conley combined for 22 points, 10 turnovers and four assists.
Conley, in particular, has vastly improved.
"I'm shooting with confidence and shooting when I'm open," Conley said. "I'm playing with a swagger, more than I did earlier in the year. Hopefully I'll keep improving throughout the year, whether it's on the bench or starting. I'm going to be ready to go."
SPURS 106, GRIZZLIES 103 (2 OT): Marc Gasol missed an open 12-footer at the end of regulation that would have given the Grizzlies the victory at San Antonio. Memphis needed to go at San Antonio forward Tim Duncan in overtime, as Duncan had five fouls at the end of regulation. Duncan fouled out with 1:13 left in the first overtime, but the Grizzlies still couldn't close out the Spurs.
Gasol hit the first of two free throws to tie the game at 99-99 with 7.3 seconds left in the first overtime, but he missed the second free throw. Tony Parker missed a game-winning attempt at the end of the first overtime.
The Grizzlies trailed 105-103 in the second OT when rookie O.J. Mayo drove for a potential game-tying bucket in the final five seconds. Mayo got hammered by the Spurs but didn't get a call. Mayo, who finished with a team-high 29 points, was incredulous.
