Grizzlies 123 - Jazz 103 (10/21/2026): Ty Jerome Nets 45 Points

The Memphis Grizzlies opened their season with a strong performance at FedExForum, taking down the Utah Jazz 123-103. Both teams entered the game with identical preseason records and were eager to start the regular season with a win. The Grizzlies showed they were ready to impress their home crowd.

First Half: Jazz Start Strong

In the first quarter, the Jazz took an early lead, scoring 31 points to the Grizzlies' 29. Their momentum, however, shifted in the second quarter. Memphis turned up the heat, outscoring Utah 35-20.

Keyonte George of the Jazz led his team with 22 points, trying to keep Utah in the game. Despite his efforts, the Jazz struggled in the second quarter. Their shooting accuracy dipped, and turnovers began to mount.

Second Half: Grizzlies Pull Away

The Grizzlies continued their dominance in the third quarter, adding 34 points to their tally. Ty Jerome was unstoppable, putting up 45 points, which played a crucial role in expanding the lead. Memphis' defense also stepped up, forcing Utah into difficult shots.

Utah fought back in the final quarter, but Memphis maintained their advantage. Jaxson Hayes contributed with solid defense, but it wasn't enough to close the gap. The Grizzlies secured the victory with a consistent offensive performance.

The Jazz ended the game with a field goal percentage of 46.1%, while Memphis shot a slightly better 47.3%. The Grizzlies' success from beyond the arc, hitting 13 three-pointers, helped seal their win.

Key Performers

Ty Jerome stood out with his 45 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. Cameron Boozer added 11 rebounds and 5 assists for Memphis, contributing to their strong inside presence. Jaylen Wells chipped in with 12 points, helping round out the team's scoring.

For the Jazz, Lauri Markkanen recorded 18 points and 9 rebounds. His efforts on the boards were vital for Utah's defense. However, the Jazz's 18 turnovers proved costly against Memphis' fast-paced offense.

Overall, the Grizzlies' depth and efficiency were evident. Their 55 rebounds, including 15 offensive, gave them second-chance opportunities. The Grizzlies also had fewer turnovers, which allowed them to control the game's tempo.

Both teams will look to their next games to fine-tune their strategies. Utah will host the New Orleans Pelicans, hoping for a rebound performance. Meanwhile, Memphis will travel to face the Golden State Warriors, aiming to build on their winning start.

This game showcased Memphis' potential for the season. Under the guidance of head coach Tuomas Iisalo, the Grizzlies will aim to make a mark in the Western Conference. For the Jazz, head coach Will Hardy will look to address the issues seen in this opener.