Ty Jerome scored a career-high 45 points, leading the Memphis Grizzlies to a 123-103 victory over the visiting Utah Jazz on Wednesday in the opening game of the season for both teams.
Jerome stepped into the starting point guard role following the departure of two-time All-Star Ja Morant, who was dealt to Portland during the offseason. Jerome broke the franchise record, held by Morant (44), for the most points by a Memphis player in a season opener.
Jerome’s career night, which surpassed a 33-point effort for Cleveland against Philadelphia in January 2025, included shooting 17 of 25 while adding seven rebounds and six assists. He made 5 of 10 attempts from long range and left the game in the closing minute of the fourth quarter a standing ovation.
Memphis newcomer Jerami Grant, acquired in the Morant trade, added 15 points and GG Jackson and Jaylen Wells scored 12 points apiece. First-round draft pick Cameron Boozer started but struggled with his shot, going 2-for-15, including 0-for-6 from deep. Boozer finished with seven points, a game-high 11 rebounds and five assists.
Zach Edey added nine rebounds and Jackson grabbed eight for the Grizzlies, who outrebounded the Jazz 55-38.
Keyonte George led Utah with 22 points and Lauri Markkanen added 18 points and nine rebounds. Jaren Jackson Jr., a former Grizzlies star traded to the Jazz in February, added 15 points before fouling out in the final quarter.
The Grizzlies led 64-51 at the half behind Jerome and Grant. Jerome had 19 points at halftime, 13 of which came in the opening quarter. Grant scored 13 first-half points, all in the second quarter.
George had 15 at the break.
Memphis extended its lead to 27 points on three occasions in the third quarter. An 18-4 run to start the second half gave the Grizzlies an 82-55 advantage. Quinten Post gave Memphis an 85-58 lead a minute later, and a Grant layup subsequently put the hosts ahead 87-60. The Grizzlies led 98-79 at the end of the period.
Utah played without big man Jusuf Nurkic, who is out for two more weeks with a plantar plate tear. He averaged 10.9 points and 10.4 rebounds in 41 games with the Jazz last season, 36 of which were starts.
