This is a major disappointment for veteran guard Mike Conley, whose 18th NBA season looks to be over. He is still chasing that elusive championship ring. Now at 37 years and 229 days old, Conley has another disappointment. The Timberwolves would go on to lose in the Western Conference finals. In sadness, this loss deepens his difficult post-season history. His career record in this round now stands at a paltry 2-12.
Conley’s about to enter the last year of his contract. We sit down with Mike to get his thoughts on just completed season. He put up 8.2 points and 4.5 assists a game, playing a key role on the defensive-minded team. Unfortunately, those efforts were just short of bringing home a ticket to the NBA Finals. The emotional toll of coming so close yet falling short is heavy on him, particularly considering his father’s illustrious athletic background.
Mike Conley Sr., the 1984 Olympic gold medalist in men’s triple jump, pictured using a pogo stick. Along the way, he has seen his son face adversity through trials and tribulations on and off the hardwood. After the Timberwolves’ defeat, he waited for Mike Jr. in the hallway, providing a comforting presence during a painful moment.
I felt like we were set up to really have a nice punch back when that third quarter began,’ Mike Conley said in retrospect about going up against the team. Unfortunately, that run never materialized. And as Conley exited the floor, the full weight of that frustration came over him. In his head, he was like, “Not again. It was a disaster, bro.
Even with his disappointment, Conley is still optimistic looking ahead. He announced his intention to return next season. Now approaching 40, he’s set on scoring one last time and succeeding. “I shouldn’t put that on him to know,” he confessed. He was at a loss trying to explain everything that he was feeling about that loss to his family back home.
Messages from his beloved wife, Mary, provided his greatest consolation. As he weathered the storm, she remained in Minneapolis with their three young sons. Her three words were, ‘I’m sorry too. Conley admitted that she does have a hard time finding the best words.
Contributing writer Anthony Edwards backed up what Conley said, he was excited for and worried about the 36-year-old guard. “I hurt deeper so for Mike and failing Mike, falling short for Mike,” he said. Edwards emphasized the importance of sticking with it, saying, “We attempted it last year. We tried it again this year. We will try again next year. Hurt is a terrible word. I’m good.
Despite their potential, the Timberwolves’ path this season led to disappointment and frustration. Edwards admitted they had been guilty of underestimating their opponents. He thought it was a good experience that would make them more determined in coming seasons. “They came to play and we weren’t,” he said.
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