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Mike Conley taking control
By Ronald Tillery (Contact), Memphis Commercial Appeal
Tuesday, March 24, 2009


Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins has given guard Mike Conley more freedom and the guard is doing well with it.Wilfredo Lee
Associated Press

MIAMI -- Mike Conley's progress continues to provide a recurring theme for the pregame talks Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins conducts with the media.

The conversation was no different Monday night before the Grizzlies took on the Miami Heat in American Airlines Arena.

Reporters catching up with Hollins for the first time since he took over the bench often ask what's been the key to developing a snapshot of his second-year point guard's potential.

Hollins' detailed responses could be summed up in a word: freedom.

Conley's newfound autonomy on the court is an ongoing process -- something demonstrated recently by Hollins' growing confidence.

"In the past few games, I've given him the whole list of plays that I had," Hollins said. "I told him to study the plays and figure out what plays he's comfortable with. I also gave him a list of plays for each of the individuals we would like to go to and told him to make sure that each of the players got these plays every so often."

In short: Conley no longer must look to the bench for instructions on every offensive possession. Playing with the trust of the coaching staff has also boosted Conley's confidence with his shooting.

He's appeared more comfortable shooting from the perimeter and routinely attacks the basket off the dribble. Conley has shown marked improvement from beyond the arc where he's shooting 42 percent over the past 57 games.

Conley made just 1-of-12 3-pointers in the first 12 games to start the season.

"He's taken the bull by the horns," Hollins said. "He's come out and he's been aggressive.

Conley has scored in double digits in 22 of the last 26 games, including a career-best 15 straight from Jan. 28-March 3. He's led the team in assists in 20 of the last 26 games.

"I've been given more responsibility as the weeks have gone by. I'm learning different ways to be a leader, and we've been experimenting in games. It might not look too good right now but it's going to pay off," said Conley who is averaging 14 points, 5.8 assists and 3.7 rebounds since Jan. 25 when Hollins took over.

Mike Conley taking control : Grizzlies : Memphis Commercial Appeal