Conley waiting on new mask, says layoff between games did wonders

As if the surprising return of Mike Conley wasn't bad enough for the Golden State Warriors, an odd three-day layoff between games is doing Conley a world of good.

Conley returned somewhat unexpectedly for Game 2 on Tuesday, his first game back after undergoing surgery to repair a facial fracture. He scored 22 points in helping the Memphis Grizzlies even the series, with Draymond Green later admitting that the Warriors didn't expect to see him.

Three days off ahead of Game 3 on Saturday has allowed for "The Masked Assassin" to get fitted for a new protective cover and regain feeling in the left side of his face. Conley also said the swelling and redness is down in his eye and that the break has done wonders for his body.

Prior to injuring his face, Conley had also been dealing with a sore foot, an issue that was still bothering him as of Thursday.

If he's coming closer to 100 percent – or, more realistically, something like 80 percent – it should make the Grizzlies an even tougher out for the Warriors. Golden State is still a decided favorite in the series but Conley is their best defensive option against Steph Curry and the engine of their offense. The import of his presence can't be understated.

In 70 games this season, Conley averaged 15.8 points, three rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.3 steals while knocking down 38.6 percent of his outside looks. In four playoff games – all Grizzlies' victories – he's averaged 17.5 points and 3.5 assists, shooting 54.2 percent from the floor.