Anthony Edwards made a promise last year after the Timberwolves’ playoff exit—to return to the Western Conference Finals for veteran point guard Mike Conley. That promise is now fulfilled, and the Wolves are rallying behind their 37-year-old floor general as they chase an NBA title.
“Mike is the best vet you can ask for, man,” said Edwards. “Plays through everything, never complains, always knows the right thing to say, always knows where to be. Great guy to look up to, for sure.”
Conley, the fourth overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, has played 18 seasons and logged over 100 playoff games but has never reached the NBA Finals. While his minutes and stats are down this year—averaging 8.2 points and 24.7 minutes—his leadership remains crucial.
Despite injuries and being replaced in closing lineups by Donte DiVincenzo late in the season, Conley stayed committed to the team. “It’s a conversation we’ve had before the playoffs start every year, and our most experienced guy Mike Conley just stands up and says, ‘Hey, man, whatever it takes. That’s what we’re going to do,’” said coach Chris Finch.
Conley struggled in the first round against the Lakers but stepped up against the Warriors. Assigned to guard sharpshooter Buddy Hield, Conley helped hold him to just 2-for-9 shooting in the elimination game. He also hit four three-pointers and scored 16 points—his best game of the postseason.
“Even if he’s not making shots, he’s affecting the game in so many different ways,” said DiVincenzo. “Having that maturity around us settles everybody else around him and allows us to be ourselves.”
Conley, as always, deflected the attention. “It’s not about me at all,” he said. “I want them to succeed. I want them to make a lot of money. I want them to achieve all their goals and win championships, and that’s it. They realize that’s who I am.”
Now, Conley is just one step away from the NBA Finals, and the Wolves are determined to get him there.