Mike Conley may be 38 years old and in his 19th NBA season, but don’t mistake his age for irrelevance. While he’s no longer the nightly starter or the offensive engine he once was, the Timberwolves veteran continues to prove that experience and savvy still matter-especially when the game tightens and the moment calls for calm.
After missing four games with right Achilles tendinitis, Conley returned to action in Sunday’s comeback win over the Bucks. And while his box score won’t turn heads, his impact was undeniable.
He didn’t even see the floor in the first quarter and logged just six minutes in the first half. But when Jaden McDaniels exited early in the second quarter with a hip injury, Minnesota needed a stabilizing presence.
Head coach Chris Finch turned to Conley to start the second half-and that decision changed the game.
The Wolves trailed by 12 heading into the third quarter. With Conley on the floor, they flipped the script, outscoring Milwaukee 55-40 in the second half.
Conley played 18 of those final 24 minutes, and Minnesota was +20 during that stretch. He finished with six points, four rebounds, and five assists, hitting two of his three shots from deep.
Nothing flashy-just smart, efficient basketball from a player who knows exactly how to control tempo and make the right reads.
Conley himself admitted he was surprised to be called upon to start the second half, but this is the kind of moment where his value shines. He’s not the guy who’s going to pressure the rim or lock up an opposing star anymore.
But he doesn’t need to be. What he brings is poise, spacing, and decision-making-and on a team with championship aspirations, those are priceless.
There’s been talk about potentially trimming Conley’s minutes even further-he’s averaging around 20 per game now-and possibly bringing in another guard via trade. That’s fair.
At this stage, the goal is to keep him fresh and healthy for the stretch run. But let’s be clear: the idea that Conley is “washed” just doesn’t hold water.
He’s still a knockdown shooter when spotting up, and he’s been lights-out from the free throw line-missing just two of his 29 attempts this season. He’s not attacking the rim much anymore, and when he does, the efficiency isn’t there (just 42.9% at the rim), but that’s not his role. He spaces the floor, makes the extra pass, and keeps the offense humming.
And perhaps most impressively, Conley continues to take care of the ball at an elite level. His assist-to-turnover ratio sits at a sparkling 4.88-83 assists to just 17 turnovers.
He’s had three games this season with at least five assists and zero turnovers. That kind of ball security is gold, especially for a team that can get loose with the ball when things speed up.
Yes, the Timberwolves have younger, more athletic guards on the roster. Rob Dillingham, in particular, has the tools to be a dynamic offensive player. But he hasn’t made that second-year leap yet, and until he does, Finch is sticking with Conley-and for good reason.
Mike Conley’s not here to chase All-Star nods or fill up the stat sheet. He’s here to steady the ship, knock down open shots, and make sure the Timberwolves don’t beat themselves. And on a team that’s looking to make real noise in the West, that kind of presence is as valuable as ever.