Ty Jerome scored a career-high 45 points as the Memphis Grizzlies rallied in the third quarter to defeat the Utah Jazz 123-103 on Wednesday night at FedExForum. Jerome delivered an outstanding shooting performance in the season opener for both teams, helping Memphis start the 2026-27 campaign with a victory.
Jerome shot 17-for-25 from the field, including 5-for-10 from three-point range, and added seven rebounds and six assists with just one turnover. His 45 points set a franchise record for a season opener, surpassing the 44 Ja Morant scored in 2020.
Memphis trailed 31-29 after the first quarter but outscored Utah 35-20 in the second to take a 64-51 halftime lead. The Grizzlies then opened the third quarter with an 18-4 run, stretching their advantage to 82-55. Memphis led by as many as 27 points and maintained a margin of at least 15 throughout the fourth quarter.
Jerami Grant, acquired from Portland in the offseason trade that sent Morant to the Trail Blazers, scored 15 points. Jaylen Wells and GG Jackson added 12 points apiece, while Scotty Pippen Jr. contributed nine points and five assists off the bench.
Keyonte George led Utah with 22 points and five assists, while Lauri Markkanen finished with 18 points and nine rebounds. Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 15 points in his return to FedExForum after eight seasons with Memphis, but fouled out in the fourth quarter. Jackson was traded to the Jazz at last February’s deadline.
Jaxson Hayes recorded six blocks for Utah, a career high, while adding five points and five rebounds.
The game also marked the NBA debuts of two highly regarded rookies. Utah selected Darryn Peterson of Kansas with the second overall pick, immediately before Memphis drafted Cam Boozer from Duke. Peterson scored nine points in 31 minutes, shooting 3-for-7 from the field.
Boozer recorded 11 rebounds and five assists but struggled offensively, finishing with seven points on 2-for-15 shooting, including 0-for-6 from beyond the arc.
Memphis shot 47% from the field and 38% from three-point range, while Utah committed 18 turnovers. The Grizzlies outrebounded the Jazz 55-38.
Utah will host New Orleans on Friday, while Memphis travels to face Golden State.
