Cedric Coward recorded 16 points and 11 rebounds as the Memphis Grizzlies held off the Utah Jazz 110-105 on Monday night at Delta Center, improving to 4-0 and extending their winning start to the 2026-27 NBA season.
Ty Jerome added 15 points and eight assists for Memphis, but struggled with his shooting, going 4-for-15 from the field after scoring 45 points against Utah in the season opener. Jaylen Wells finished with 14 points, while Cameron Boozer and Jerami Grant contributed 13 points apiece.
The Grizzlies also received a boost from their bench, with Quinten Post scoring 12 points on 5-for-6 shooting and Cam Spencer adding eight points and five assists.
Keyonte George led Utah with 26 points and six assists, while Ace Bailey posted 17 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks. Second overall pick Darryn Peterson added 14 points and seven rebounds, and Mo Bamba scored 14 points on 7-for-8 shooting with seven rebounds in his season debut.
The Jazz, who fell to 1-3, were dealt a significant setback when Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. both suffered injuries early in the first half and did not return. Markkanen played six minutes and scored two points, while Jackson recorded six points, three rebounds and two assists in 10 minutes.
Memphis led 58-52 at halftime and widened the gap in the third quarter. After Utah had closed within reach, three consecutive three-pointers from Post, Spencer and Coward helped the Grizzlies build an 87-71 advantage late in the period.
Utah responded with a 15-3 run in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 102-101 on George’s three-point play with 3:37 remaining. Jerome answered with back-to-back baskets to keep Memphis in front.
The Jazz continued to threaten, with Bamba’s dunk bringing them within one point at 106-105 with 1:01 left. Wells and Jerome then converted their free throws in the final minute to secure the five-point victory.
Memphis finished 37-for-85 from the field and made 16 of 37 three-point attempts. Utah shot 41% overall and 10-for-33 from beyond the arc.
The Grizzlies will visit Portland on Thursday, while the Jazz host San Antonio on Wednesday.
