Ty Jerome stepped into the starting point guard role in Memphis and delivered a night for the franchise record books. Jerome scored a career-high 45 points on 17-of-25 shooting as the Grizzlies routed the visiting Utah Jazz 123-103 on Wednesday in the season opener for both teams.
Jerome’s 45 points broke the Grizzlies’ franchise record for a season opener, surpassing Ja Morant’s mark of 44, per Deadspin. He added seven rebounds and six assists, hit 5 of 10 from three-point range, and sealed the 40-point milestone with a logo three-pointer before leaving to a standing ovation in the final minute.
The performance announced Jerome as Memphis’ new lead guard following Morant’s offseason trade to Portland. His previous career best was 33 points for Cleveland against Philadelphia in January 2025.
A statement start
Jerome had 19 points by halftime, including 13 in the opening quarter, as Memphis took a 64-51 lead into the break. The Grizzlies then opened the third quarter on an 18-4 run to stretch the lead to 82-55 and never looked back. “The Grizzlies with Ty Jerome and Zach Edey on the floor vs. without the two were night and day,” wrote SI’s OnSI, noting Memphis could not have asked for a better first game from its new lead guard.
Jerami Grant, acquired in the Morant trade, scored 15 points in his Grizzlies debut, while GG Jackson and Jaylen Wells added 12 apiece. Rookie No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer started but struggled from the field (2 of 15), though he grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds with five assists. Memphis outrebounded Utah 55-38.
Tough night for the Jazz
Keyonte George led Utah with 22 points and Lauri Markkanen added 18 points and nine rebounds. The night carried extra sting for Jaren Jackson Jr., the former Grizzlies star traded to Utah in February, who scored 15 points before fouling out in the fourth against his old team.
Memphis hosts the Golden State Warriors on Friday. Utah’s coach Will Hardy singled out the possession and rebounding gap as the decisive issues, per Particle News. For one night at least, the post-Morant era in Memphis looks like it might be just fine.
