Grizzlies edge Spurs, Warriors rally

The ever-steady point guard scored a franchise postseason record 35 points, grabbed nine rebounds, dished out eight assists, went blow-for-blow with MVP candidate Kawhi Leonard, and nailed countless clutch shots down the stretch as the Grizzlies, short-handed and on the ropes, defeated the Spurs 110-108 in an overtime thriller in the Grindhouse to tie the series up at two games apiece.

Conley, who signed a five-year, $153 million contract last summer in what was the richest deal in the National Basketball Association at that point, also had a career game, finishing with 35 points for a Grizzlies postseason record. It's the reason why the Spurs finished with the the Western Conference's second-best record with a senescent roster. Conley has raised the level of his game and is playing like a superstar.

Millsap also had 14 rebounds, while rookie Taurean Prince chipped in with 16 points. Andrew Harrison, 22, came off the bench for some key minutes, including a critical block in overtime that might have saved the game for Memphis. Memphis' offense was once again less one-sided than San Antonio's, with ball movement that consistently found its way to the hands of open three-point shooters. The Spurs are still heavy favorites, but as the Grizzlies prove year in and year out, it's no easy task to take them out.

The fourth quarter featured Kawhi Leonard doing, as ESPN put it, absolutely everything. The physical, pounding style of play that helped them reach the playoffs the last six seasons. Memphis shot 46.3 percent from the field while going 12-for-27 from distance for 44.4 percent.

Date/Time: Tuesday April 25th, 2017. The Spurs did win during Leonard's on-court time (and convincingly, by 18 points), but the periods he sat were bad as they became over reliant on his magic. He actually provides something of a matchup problem for the Spurs, because none of Pau Gasol, David Lee or LaMarcus Aldridge has the girth to body him up.

No complaints. Just check in when called upon and scrap for rebounds and buckets. Aldridge at least contributed with 13 points. He rallied the Spurs by scoring the last 16 points of regulation, but missed a jumper with James Ennis defending him just before the buzzer ending regulation.

Manu Ginobili still can't buy anything in this series.

WILL HE OR WON'T HE: While the prevailing wisdom suggests the Warriors should just rest Durant for Game 4 since the Warriors are so close to wrapping up the series, it sounded on Saturday night as though he may still be hoping to play. Memphis is 44-41 overall, 25-17 at home and 42-43 against the spread. The Spurs defense isn't predicated on forcing giveaways, but they would like to see the Grizz have more than five.

"I thought we played well enough to win the game", Parker said, and then looking ahead to Game 5 in San Antonio: "It's a must-win situation for us now".

Home court obviously played a huge role in this series so far, and the Spurs are likely to be reinvigorated by the sight of their fans.

The Spurs have won three of four playoff series against Memphis. More impressive than Wilt Chamberlain never fouling out in a game. Total is down as the stakes are raised, and gives absolutely no chance to bet either side.