The Memphis Grizzlies are 3-0 and off to their best start since the 2017-18 season behind an unexpected scoring surge from a veteran point guard and solid contributions from a precocious rookie forward entering their game Monday against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City.
The Grizzlies defeated the host Sacramento Kings 123-112 on Sunday night to start 3-0 for only the third time in franchise history.
Point guard Ty Jerome, who moved into the starting role following the offseason departure of Ja Morant, entered the game leading the NBA in scoring with 36.5 points per game. He led the Grizzlies with 31 points, buoyed by going 14-of-14 from the free-throw line, against Sacramento.
Memphis forward Cameron Boozer, the third overall pick of the 2026 NBA Draft, had 16 points and 11 boards against Sacramento after collecting 25 points and 13 rebounds Friday in a win at Golden State.
Jerome’s output has been a key component to the team’s unbeaten start. He had a career-high 45 points in the team’s season-opening home win against Utah.
Memphis coach Tuomas Iisalo has been impressed by Jerome but not surprised by his early impact. Jerome worked hard to overcome a serious calf injury he sustained before the start of last season.
“The shape he showed up to camp in, he has put in a hell of a lot of hard work last spring and this summer,” Iisalo said. “He’s put himself in a great situation. The confidence he is playing with is incredible.”
While the 19-year-old Boozer has struggled with his shooting in the early going, he has played with a confident manner belying his age.
“Boozer is the most mature 19-year-old I’ve ever seen,” Jerome said.
The Jazz also will be playing the second game of a back-to-back against a Memphis team they already faced five days prior in a 123-103 road loss.
Utah lost for the second time in three games to open the season on Sunday, falling 132-123 to the visiting Los Angeles Lakers. The Jazz lost despite opening the game with a 47-point first quarter that gave them an 18-point lead.
Los Angeles rallied behind Luka Doncic, who poured in 52 points. Jazz coach Will Hardy saw some encouraging signs even though his team couldn’t sustain the momentum generated by the solid start.
“I think our team is improving in a bunch of areas,” Hardy said. “I think our offense has taken a step forward. … These games against the best players coming down the stretch are so good for our young guys to have.
“This stuff is going to pay off for our group moving forward.”
The Jazz also displayed some toughness against the Lakers by grabbing 20 offensive rebounds. Those boards led to 34 second-chance points. Utah also scored 58 points in the paint, 28 more than the Lakers.
“Those are emphases for us and they were executed well,” Hardy said.
Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 28 points and Keyonte George finished one rebound shy of his first career triple-double. George had 24 points, 10 assists and nine boards. Jaren Jackson Jr., the former Memphis star, contributed 20 points.
