Jazz Guard Mike Conley Embracing ‘Villain’ Role In NBA Playoffs Matchup Against Former Team

One of the storylines in the First Round NBA Playoffs series between the Memphis Grizzlies and Utah Jazz is Mike Conley going up against his former team.

If Game 3 was any indication, it seems safe to say that the veteran guard is embracing the matchup against the franchise where he spent the first 12 years of his NBA career.

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After raining down seven 3-pointers as part of a 27-point, 8-assists, 6-rebound performance on Saturday night, Mike Conley was asked about how it feels to suddenly be the ‘bad guy’ in Memphis.

Mike Conley, on facing Ja in Memphis: "It's surreal — him wearing the jersey I'm so used to wearing, getting the cheers I'm used to hearing. You live long enough, you become the villain — and I've become that for the Memphis Grizzlies."

— Eric Walden (@tribjazz) May 30, 2021

Indeed, he has. Conley’s massive Game 3 stat line helped power the top-seeded Jazz to a 121-111 victory and a 2-1 series lead.

It is pretty crazy to see the 33-year-old punishing the same Grizzlies franchise where he starred for a dozen seasons. Mike Conley was a part of the ‘Grind House’ days in Memphis. The team played a tough, physical, defense-first brand of basketball for many years.

The young Grizzlies are now led by a new point guard, Ja Morant. In his postgame interview, Conley went on to talk about how cool it is to play against the new face of the Memphis franchise.

Mike Conley knows that the Grizzlies' future is in good hands with Ja Morant leading the way 🤝 pic.twitter.com/dmr4sQcFC2

— Grizzlies Nation (@GrizNationCP) May 30, 2021

Some well-deserved respect right there.

However, it wasn’t all high-fives and smiles on the court in Game 3. Dillon Brooks asserted himself as public enemy No. 1 of all Jazz fans with his huge performance in the first game of this series.

Mike Conley may be rooted in Memphis, but he stood up for Utah Jazz nation after burying this 3-pointer right over Brooks’ head.

Mike Conley forever pic.twitter.com/OTqR7bIgrO

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) May 30, 2021

Make no mistake about it: Conley was ready for his NBA Playoffs return to Grind City.

The conversation below between Mike Conley and Ja Morant never actually happened but it’s pretty hilarious all the same:

Mike Conley to Ja in FedEx Forum
😅 pic.twitter.com/RglwFaAgDj

— Max Goof (@Ayeee_Dubb) May 30, 2021

After Conley’s Game 3 performance, Grizzlies fans could probably use a little satire right about now.

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