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NBA: Mike Conley evokes memories of other gutsy performances

The Masked Assassin. One-Eyed Charlie. The Terminator. Call former Ohio State guard Mike Conley whatever nickname you prefer.

His gritty performance led the Memphis Grizzlies to a 97-90 victory in Game 2 over the Golden State Warriors and earned him instant respect from players, coaches and fans across the country. It also evoked memories of some of the courageous showings in sports history.

Just eight days after having surgery to repair multiple facial fractures, a puffy-faced Conley scored 22 points in 27 minutes to help the Grizzlies even the second-round series at one apiece. Game 3 is Saturday in Memphis, where Conley will wear a plastic mask over his swollen face and red left eye again.