Mike Conley leads the Grizzlies to clinch the 7th seed

Mike Conley led the Grizzlies to a victory over the Knicks (101-88) in an impressive fashion. After sitting out against the Thunder last Wednesday due to an eye injury, Conley returned to rally his troops.

The Grizzlies snapped a three game losing streak and clinched the seventh seed in the Western Conference. They will draw the second seeded San Antonio Spurs, a repeat of last season’s first round match-up that ended in a sweep for the Spurs.

Conley was on a mission, he scored 14 of his 31 points in the first quarter alone.

Conley is one of four players (LeBron James, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook) with 10,000 points, 4,000 assists and 1,000 steals since he entered the NBA in 2007-08. He also tied his career high with seven three-pointers made. This was the fifth time he hit seven-three pointers this season.

 Notes from the game

Grizzlies

All five of the Grizzlies starters were in double figures. Wayne Selden, Jr. was the only reserve to score in double figures.

Marc Gasol recorded his 10th double double of the season with 16 points and 10 rebounds. He also had three assists and three blocks.

Wayne Selden, Jr. had a career-high 13 points.

Vince Carter ended with 12 points (4-of-5 3P), four rebounds, three assists and two blocks.

JaMychal Green and Tony Allen combined for 20 points and nine rebounds.

 

Knicks

The Knicks had five players in double figures. It was an impressive outing for the Knicks without Carmelo Anthony, Kristaps Porzingis, Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah.

Former Grizzlies player, Courtney Lee led the Knicks with 16 points, three assists and three rebounds. Lee shot 2-of-4 from three.

Maurice Ndour added 15 points (career-high), seven rebounds and three blocks.

Justin Holiday finished with 12 points, three steals and two rebounds.

Willy Hernangomez recorded 11 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two steals. Hernangomez tallied his 10th double double of the season.

Mindaugas Kuzminskas off the bench ended with 10 points.

Stats of the Game

 

What they said!!!

Wayne Selden Jr.

On playing with the Grizzlies:

“Pretty comfortable. They’re encouraging me. The guys are encouraging me. The coaching staff’s encouraging me. It’s been a great time.”

 

On his confidence:

“I’m just trying to use my body, get in the lane, create for others or finish at the rim. However I get there is how I get there.”

 

On talking with the coaches:

“The coaches are really encouraging me. I have full confidence right now in my teammates. My coaches have confidence in me. I’m just going to go after it, go get it. I’m just coming out trying to play with energy on both ends of the floor.”

 

Coach Fizdale on Wayne Selden, Jr.:

“He can play. I wasn’t giving out charity minutes tonight. He was ballin’. The kid is built for the league. He’s got a great two guard’s body. He reminds me a lot of Dwyane Wade from a body standpoint, big shoulders. And he knows how to play. He’s got an IQ about him. We’re just going to work hard to develop him and see where it takes us, but I really like what I’m seeing so far.”

 

Up Next

The Grizzlies will host the Detroit Pistons at the FedEx Forum tomorrow. Early tip-off at 5pm CST.