Ty Jerome puts up career-best 45 points as Grizzlies stomp Jazz

Ty Jerome scored a career-high 45 points to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 123-103 victory over the visiting Utah Jazz on Wednesday in the season opener for both teams.

Jerome stepped into the starting point guard role following the departure of two-time All-Star Ja Morant, who was traded to Portland during the offseason. Jerome broke the franchise record for most points by a Memphis player in a season opener, surpassing Morant's mark of 44.

Jerome's career night eclipsed his previous best of 33 points for Cleveland against Philadelphia in January 2025. He shot 17 of 25 from the field, including 5 of 10 from 3-point range, and added seven rebounds and six assists. He left the game in the final minute of the fourth quarter to a standing ovation.

Memphis newcomer Jerami Grant, acquired in the Morant trade, added 15 points, while GG Jackson and Jaylen Wells scored 12 apiece. First-round draft pick Cameron Boozer started but struggled from the field, making 2 of 15 shots, including all six of his 3-point attempts. Boozer finished with seven points, a game-high 11 rebounds and five assists.

Zach Edey added nine rebounds, and Jackson grabbed eight as the Grizzlies 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 who was traded to the Jazz in February, scored 15 points before fouling out in the fourth quarter.

Memphis led 64-51 at halftime behind Jerome and Grant. Jerome had 19 points at the break, including 13 in the opening quarter. Grant scored all 13 of his first-half points in the second quarter.

George had 15 points by halftime.

Memphis extended its lead to 27 points three times in the third quarter. An 18-4 run to open the second half gave the Grizzlies an 82-55 advantage. Quinten Post's basket pushed the lead to 85-58 a minute later, and Grant's layup subsequently made it 87-60. Memphis led 98-79 entering the fourth quarter.

Utah played without center Jusuf Nurkic, who is expected to miss 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, including 36 starts.

--Field Level Media