G Tony Allen returned after missing five games with mouth lacerations after being accidently belted by teammate O.J. Mayo late in a game at Dallas on April 4. Allen had six points, three rebounds and two assists in 24 minutes Saturday. “It’s always great to have your star defensive player back,” G Mike Conley said of Allen, “but he adds so much to the chemistry of the team. When he’s back, everybody has a pep in their step.”
G Rudy Gay had 26 points and 12 rebounds vs. the Jazz. Gay’s 12 rebounds tied a season high in a 26-12 performance he had against Golden State on March 7. “Rudy is really maturing and embracing his ability,” coach Lionel Hollins said. “He has the ability to do a lot of things. He’s our most athletic guy. We need him to go in among the big guys and get rebounds. I tell him all the time that his points will come because he’s physically gifted. But the rest of the stuff, he has to put his mind to doing that.”
G O.J. Mayo scored 17 of his 20 points in the final quarter, including a killer 3-pointer with 43.8 seconds left that gave the Griz a 98-94 lead on th eway to a 103-98 win over Utah. While Mayo hit 4-of-5 threes, he said his 6-of-6 free throw performance was just as important in getting his shooting eye going. “When I got to the line, it gave me a good rhythm, I had a good feel,” said Mayo, who has made 12 of 22 3-pointers over the last four games. “I kept aggressive, got some open shots and knocked them down.”
