Fizdale: No one can question Conley's value after Game 4

The five-year, $153-million contract Mike Conley signed with the Memphis Grizzlies last summer was the richest deal in NBA history, and a hefty sum for a player with no championship rings or All-Star appearances.

Perhaps his performance in Game 4 of Memphis' series with the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night will open a few more eyes to why the franchise invested so much money in the 29-year-old guard.

"I don't think we're going to have the discussion about how much money he's worth anymore," head coach David Fizdale said following the Grizzlies' 110-108 overtime victory. "I think that's mute. I don't want to hear about it, at least. The guy is a superstar."

Conley scored a playoff career-high 35 points on 13-of-23 shooting from the field and 4-of-8 from 3-point range in 41 minutes of action. He also barely missed out on a triple-double by adding nine rebounds and eight assists.

He drilled a floater over veteran Tony Parker with 4.5 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to lock the score at 96 apiece, which held up late to force the extra period. Memphis went on to win following a game-winning bucket by Marc Gasol with 0.7 seconds left in OT.

One game doesn't validate Conley's newfound wealth, though. He put up career-best numbers in all major statistical categories this past regular season for Memphis, which is rare for someone who just inked a gargantuan deal.

"You watched it this year happen, but now you're watching it on the biggest stage with the biggest lights, and he's really rising to the occasion," added Fizdale. "Can you think of a guy you'd rather root for? This guy is as good a human being as you can get. Whatever good happens for him, I expect it. I'm really proud of his evolution as a player."

Game 5 between San Antonio and Memphis will take place Tuesday at the AT&T Center.