Blazers vs. Grizzlies showcases Lillard-Conley matchup

MEMPHIS -- The Memphis Grizzlies and Portland Trail Blazers both enter Sunday's matchup at the FedEx Forum with mediocre 3-3 records. But think where each of the teams would be without their All-Star point guards.

Mike Conley of Memphis is averaging 21.8 points and 6.6 assists per game. The 10th-year pro, who signed a five-year, $153-million contract extension in the offseason, scored 30 points and dished out 10 assists as the Grizzlies fell 99-88 at home to the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night.

Damian Lillard of Portland ranks third in the NBA in scoring at 34.2 points a game.

In his fifth NBA season, Lillard, signed to a five-year, $120-million contract extension in the offseason, scored 15 of his 42 points in the fourth quarter to lift the Trail Blazers past Dallas 105-95 on Friday night at American Airlines Center.

During Conley's first career 30/10 game, he became the first player in Memphis history with 30 points 10 assists and no turnovers and the first Grizzly since Wayne Ellington in 2012 to knock down seven 3-pointers.

It wasn't enough to rescue the Grizzlies, who shot 36.9 percent from the field against the Clippers. Memphis also yielded 19 turnovers that resulted in 30 L.A. points.

"I sensed frustration from a lot of (teammates) because their individual games weren't going well, because they weren't making shots, because we were turning the ball over," Conley told the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

"I told myself, 'I've got to do something aggressive and make plays.' I tried to do whatever it took to get us back in the game."

Aside from Conley, the Grizzlies combined to miss 14 of their first 15 shots. Center Marc Gasol started 1 for 11 before catching a rhythm to finish with 21 points on 7-for-18 shooting to go with nine rebounds.

Memphis coach David Fizdale was unhappy with his team's sloppiness on offense, which he said led to poor defense.

"We did a crap job of getting back with too many guys gambling in the backcourt and (with) fake hustle," Fizzle said. "We weren't committed to our transition defense.

"The turnovers killed us, and (getting outscored) 31-8 in fast break points ... that is just losing basketball. We have to really tighten that up."

Lillard made 4 of 5 shots from the field and 6 of 6 free throws in the fourth quarter as Portland kept Dallas at bay and snapped a two-game losing streak.

The Oakland native finished with 12-for-18 shooting, including 5 for 5 from 3-point range, to go with four rebounds and four assists.

"Sensational, amazing, All-Star, MVP," teammate CJ McCollum told reporters afterward. "He was big tonight. He had some huge shots throughout the game, kept us afloat."

Added Portland coach Terry Stotts: "Damian has done a lot already in his young career, but that might have been his best game. His performance was remarkable."

Lillard is one of five players to have scored 200 or more points in the first six games of a season over the last 30 years, joining Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal and Stephen Curry.

"He's making a statement," Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said. "He's establishing himself as an early MVP candidate."

Lillard became the first player since O'Neal in 1994 to score at least 27 points in each of his first six games.