The Memphis Grizzlies caused an upset on Tuesday night as Mike Conley returned to help them to a win at the Oracle Arena over the Golden State Warriors.
Conley scored 22 points after missing Game 1 due to facial surgery, and despite wearing a protective mask and still sporting some swelling, he was able to play a decisive role for the Grizzlies in tying the series up at 1-1.
It was just the third time all year that the Warriors have lost at home, and they will now need to win at the Grindhouse in order to prevail and advance to the Western Conference finals having lost home-court advantage.
Stephen Curry received his MVP award prior to tip-off, but he endured a difficult night along with Klay Thompson as neither star guard could find their rhythm.
Curry had 19 points, six assists and five rebounds, but he had little help from Thompson who was guilty of missing some glaring opportunities which saw the game swing in the favour of Memphis.
Meanwhile, the No.1 seed in the East, the Atlanta Hawks, fought back to tie their series with the Washington Wizards at 1-1, with DeMarre Carroll scoring 22 points to lead the way.
Kyle Korver, Paul Millsap and Al Horford all contributed, as the Hawks made the most of the absence of John Wall, with the Wizards point guard missing after picking up a wrist injury in Game 1.
Ramon Sessions did a solid job filling in for him with 21 points, but it wasn’t enough to push Washington over the line to get the win.
NBA Results:
Washington Wizards 90-106 Atlanta Hawks
Memphis Grizzlies 97-90 Golden State Warriors
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