Grizzlies' Conley playing with confidence, making good decisions

La Bomba · Feb 11, 2009

The 6-1 floor general is operating with all-time high levels of confidence, aggression and productivity. His improved performances, thanks to the freedom and responsibility afforded under Griz coach Lionel Hollins, are partly why the Grizzlies have won four of five games heading into tonight's game at Philadelphia.

Conley's averaged more than 13 points, six assists and four rebounds in eight games under Hollins. More importantly, Conley's proving his decision-making is worthy of the team's trust.

"It's an unreal change," Conley said. "I've been able to go out there and run the show. I called almost all of the plays in the fourth quarter. I've never had that opportunity before, and I like that coach has a lot of trust in me. I don't want to let him down."

Hollins was determined to find out if the former No. 4 overall draft pick had the moxie.

So far, so good.

"He is doing a great job," Hollins said. "He is becoming more mature. He is becoming more aggressive. He is attacking the basket. He is making plays. He is pushing the ball. He is bringing the ball back out when we need him to. He is starting to get confidence and playing the way he is capable of playing, and that is what I was hoping, and that is what I am seeing so far."

Conley's last outing -- 18 points, eight assists and four rebounds against the Hornets -- proved he can be counted on to play a bigger role when needed. With the team's second-leading scorer, Rudy Gay, out with a hip injury, Conley struck a balance of asserting himself offensively and putting his teammates in position to succeed.

"He's definitely more aggressive right now than he was at the beginning of the season," Mayo said. "It's making us a better team. He's doing a terrific job of getting in the lane. Teams have to respect him now. He can finish and find guys and it's making it an easier ballgame."

Conley credits Hollins, whose empowering and motivational talks are having the desired effect.
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Grizzlies' Conley playing with confidence, making good decisions

La Bomba The Future

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Grizzlies' Conley playing with confidence, making good decisions

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