Ty Jerome scored a career-high 45 points to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 123-103 victory over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, in a season opener that featured a tribute to the late Brandon Clarke and the return of former Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. to Memphis.
Jerome Leads Memphis Surge
The Memphis victory was fueled by a significant third-quarter rally. After leading 64-51 at halftime, the Grizzlies opened the third quarter with an 18-4 run that extended their lead to 82-55. Jerome, who connected on 17 of 25 shots including 5 of 10 from three-point range, set a new Memphis record for the most points scored by a player in a season opener, surpassing the 44 points scored by Ja Morant in 2020.
Rookie Matchup and Jazz Stats
The Utah Jazz offense was led by Keyonte George, who finished with 22 points, while Lauri Markkanen added 18 points. Jaxson Hayes recorded a career-high six blocks for the Jazz. Despite the individual performances, the Jazz trailed by at least 15 points throughout the entire fourth quarter. The game also served as a high-profile matchup between two top rookies: Utah's Darryn Peterson and Memphis's Cam Boozer. Peterson recorded nine points, while Boozer finished with seven points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, though he struggled with efficiency, going 2-of-15 from the field and 0-for-6 from three-point range.
Tribute to Brandon Clarke
The atmosphere at FedExForum was marked by a somber pregame tribute to former Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke. Clarke, who played his entire seven-year NBA career with Memphis, passed away earlier this year at his home in California. The Grizzlies honored him with a moment of silence and a pregame ceremony. To commemorate his legacy, the team announced it will wear a patch featuring Clarke's initials on their jerseys throughout the season.
Emotional Return for Jackson Jr.
Grizzlies guard Cam Spencer noted that the tribute was expected to be emotional for the team, particularly given the circumstances. Spencer remarked that the team intended to play with maximum effort to honor Clarke's memory. The connection between the players and the late forward was highlighted by the presence of Jaren Jackson Jr., who was one of Clarke's closest friends and was teammates with him from 2019 to 2026.
Jackson's Memphis Homecoming
For Jaren Jackson Jr., the game was a significant homecoming. Jackson, who played eight seasons in Memphis and was a two-time All-Star and the 2023 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, was traded to Utah on Feb. 3, in a deal that sent Jackson and three other players to the Jazz in exchange for three future first-round picks. During the game, Jackson scored 15 points before fouling out in the fourth quarter. Reflecting on his time in Memphis, Jackson stated that the city and the FedExForum would always hold a special place in his heart because he grew up there.
Game Day Atmosphere
The Grizzlies' season opener also featured various community and entertainment elements. Memphis Emcee Brandon "BLJ" Johnson urged fans to bring high energy to the arena, noting that the team's DJ would be working to keep the crowd hyped. The game included live performances from Memphis musicians, including NLE Choppa at halftime, and appearances by BlocBoy JB and Eric Gales. Additionally, the Grizzlies distributed 750 free tickets ahead of the game and provided "Growl Towels" to the first 10,000 fans in attendance.
Upcoming Schedule
Following the season opener, the Utah Jazz are scheduled to host New Orleans on Friday, while the Memphis Grizzlies will travel to play Golden State on Friday.
