After a shocking Game 1 loss at home, the Utah Jazz have bounced back to win three straight over the Memphis Grizzlies and take a 3-1 lead in their first round series. Game 4 on Monday night followed a similar pattern to the last two games, as the Jazz led for the most of the night, but had to hold off a furious Grizzlies comeback before eventually securing a 120-113 win.
Donovan Mitchell led the way with 30 points and eight assists, Jordan Clarkson came off the bench to drop 24 points and Rudy Gobert put up 17 points and eight assists. But while those usual suspects put up their numbers, the real hero for the Jazz in Game 4 only scored 11 points: Mike Conley.
With a clutch sequence late in the fourth quarter, Conley saved the Jazz from another playoff collapse. And in the process, the longtime Grizzlies point guard broke the hearts of the Memphis fans who had adored him for so many years. The FedEx Forum used to come alive when Conley made plays on the defensive end and hit big shots; on Monday night it fell silent.
Coming into the fourth quarter, the Jazz led by 13, and appeared to be well on their way to victory. A few minutes later, after they had missed their first nine shots of the frame, and De’Anthony Melton caught fire, they were clinging to a two-point lead. That’s when Conley stepped up.
