The Grizzlies have a three-game winning streak, no thanks to their top two point guards, starter Mike Conley and backup Marcus Williams. The shocker is that Conley hasn't played well this season, even in the last week when the Grizzlies removed his primary competition for playing time by waiving disgruntled Allen Iverson. Since then, the Grizzlies have won twice, but Conley has averaged only 2.5 points, four assists, three rebounds and 2.5 turnovers. "I need to be more consistent and more aggressive at certain times," Conley said. "I hope they still believe in me. I struggled in a few games. Everybody has a lull during the course of a season."
Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins has been in Conley's corner, but he wants to see Conley regain the form he had late last year.
"Mike has got to be better defensively and at leading and directing," Hollins said. "He was much better at those things last year. He's got to get back to being that and then get better from there."
Conley isn't about to give away his job.
"I want to start," Conley said. "I'm not going to lie. You always want to start. I'm also the type of player who can do whatever it takes to win games. If coach needs me to come off the bench, I'm not going to pout over it."
GRIZZLIES 102, 76ERS 97: The Grizzlies not only won a road game, they have a three-game winning streak. Staying unselfishess and aggressive -- suddenly two hallmarks of a team free of Allen Iverson -- the Grizzlies played with confidence against the 76ers, even after a second-quarter swoon. Rudy Gay tied his season high with 33 points, and was in the rhythm from start to finish, inclduing a key jumper with 19 seconds left to seal the victory.
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