Conley’s return occurs just in time for the Jazz, who face a win-or-go-home Game 6 at Los Angeles.
The Utah Jazz will finally have their All-Star backcourt back just when they need it most. The top-seeded Jazz announced Friday evening that Mike Conley would be available against the fourth-seeded LA Clippers in a must-win Game 6 at Los Angeles (10 ET, ESPN).
Donovan Mitchell is also available after being considered questionable due to right ankle soreness.
Mike Conley is available to play tonight.
— utahjazz (@utahjazz) June 19, 2021
Donovan Mitchell is available to play.
— utahjazz (@utahjazz) June 19, 2021
Conley’s return is especially notable, as the veteran playmaker has not played since Game 5 against Memphis (June 2) due to a right hamstring strain. The 33-year-old point guard was instrumental in Utah’s first-round win over the Grizzlies, scoring 20 points or better in Games 1-3.
Mitchell, meanwhile, has been battling a right ankle injury that clearly hampered him in Utah’s Game 5 defeat to the Clippers on Wednesday. The two-time All-Star shot just 6-for-19 from the field, unable to muster the consistent explosiveness to counter the recently red-hot Paul George, who has helped LA seize a 3-2 series lead.
The Jazz, who own the NBA’s best record outright for the first time in franchise history, are seeking their first Finals berth since 1998.
The Clippers are vying for their own first-ever trip to the conference finals, but must do so without All-NBA superstar Kawhi Leonard, who missed Game 5 and will sit out Game 6 with a sprained right knee.
