Cameron Boozer made his Memphis Grizzlies debut in impressive fashion as Memphis defeated the Atlanta Hawks 132-123 in Monday’s preseason matchup at State Farm Arena.
Selected by Memphis with the No. 3 overall pick, Boozer started alongside Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells, Quinten Post and Ty Jerome in his first appearance for the Grizzlies.
The rookie played 18 minutes and finished with 11 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. He shot 5-of-9 from the field, although he went 0-of-3 from three-point range and 1-of-3 from the free-throw line.
Boozer scored his first points with an early turnaround jumper in the first quarter. He later added a driving layup and free throw early in the second, then continued to contribute offensively after halftime.
His playmaking was particularly notable, as Boozer recorded four assists in limited minutes. He assisted Ty Jerome on Memphis’ opening basket before setting up Quinten Post for a three-pointer in the second quarter.
Boozer also found Jaylen Wells for three-pointers in the second and third quarters, showing a willingness to create opportunities for his teammates.
Memphis took control during the second quarter after trailing 35-32 through the opening period. The Grizzlies scored 49 points in the second to take a 81-61 halftime lead and maintained a double-digit advantage for much of the second half.
Coward matched Boozer with 18 minutes and finished with nine points, five rebounds and four assists. Wells added 12 points while shooting 4-of-7 from the field and 4-of-6 from three-point range.
Jerome was another key contributor, recording 12 points and five assists in 15 minutes. GG Jackson led Memphis off the bench with 14 points, while Jerami Grant added 10 points and four rebounds.
The Grizzlies shot 52% from the field and 42% from three-point range, making 18 of 43 attempts from beyond the arc. Memphis also recorded 32 assists and committed just 18 turnovers.
Atlanta kept the game competitive after halftime, scoring 37 points in the third quarter and 25 in the fourth. Corey Kispert led the Hawks with 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including 4-of-7 from three-point range.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 14 points, while Asa Newell and Jalen Wilson each scored 12. Newell also grabbed 12 rebounds.
Despite Atlanta’s late push, Memphis held on to secure its first preseason victory of the year.
