Conley Hoping For Cheers in Memphis, Praises His Replacement
Nov 15, 2019, 9:43 AM
A general view of fans reacting after a basket is scored by the Memphis Grizzlies against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on April 27, 2017 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
(Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Jazz guard Mike Conley is hoping for a warm welcome from fans of his old team in Memphis tonight as the Jazz prepare to take on the Grizzlies.
“Man, I hope it’s good,” said Conley. “I know…the feeling is mutual, how much I love them and I know they feel the same way. So, I expect it to be a fun game and fun atmosphere.”
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After tip-off, the cheering may turn quickly to the guy who replaced Conley as the Grizzlies starting point guard – for good reason.
Ja Morant has been electric in his short career for Memphis, including a game-winning shot over Charlotte on Wednesday.
First career game winner, flex on 'em @JaMorant 💪 pic.twitter.com/ptDNpoUbLS
— ESPN (@espn) November 14, 2019
Morant was Memphis’ Mr. Everything in the Grizzlies 119-117 win over the Hornets. He scored 23 points on 10-15 field goals and showed superb ball-handling skills. Morant also dished out 11 assists in the game.
In 10 games this season, Morant is averaging 18.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 5.8 assists a game. Conley has been impressed with his replacement.
“He’s a fearless competitor. He has every tool in the bag. (Morant) is an unselfish player, very athletic, obviously. He’s been fun to watch…and he’s not afraid of the moment. And that’s special when you talk about a young player,” said Conley.
Will Conley pull Morant aside and talk to him at some point while he’s in Memphis?
“I’m sure I will get that figured out at some point…I’ve spoken to (former teammates) Jarren (Jackson) and Dillon (Brooks) a lot and they speak very highly of (Morant). So yeah, I want to make sure he takes care of the organization and city. He’s doing a great job. Great job so far,” complimented Conley.
Conley 3-Point Gunner?
Conley shot 426 3-pointers last season which is the most of his career. So far this season, he’s jacked up 64 triples. Conley wasn’t aware that he had shot that many 3-pointers while playing for the Jazz, but he’s also not hunting the shot.
Mike Conley beats the shot clock from 60 feet. #TakeNote #NBA #utahjazz pic.twitter.com/dmrNH03Aoi
— Jeremiah Jensen (@JeremiahJensen) November 12, 2019
“(The shots) are just coming in the flow of the game. I’m not forcing anything. I’m getting them where the ball finds me. And as long as I’m sitting there and I’m shooting confidently and making them I’m gonna keep shooting them,” Conley said.
