TY JEROME LEADS GRIZZLIES PAST JAZZ IN SEASON OPENER

Ty Jerome scored a career-high 45 points as the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Utah Jazz 123-103 on Wednesday in the season opener for both teams. His total surpassed the Memphis opening-game record of 44 points set by Ja Morant in 2020. Jerome made 17 of 25 shots, including five of 10 three-pointers, and six of seven free throws. He also recorded six rebounds, five assists and a block. Memphis led 64-51 at half-time.

The Grizzlies opened the third quarter with an 18-4 run that extended their lead to 82-55. Their advantage reached 27 points, and Utah remained at least 15 points behind throughout the fourth quarter. Jerami Grant scored 15 points for Memphis, while Jaylen Wells and GG Jackson added 12 each. Keyonte George led Utah with 22 points, and Lauri Markkanen scored 18. Jaxson Hayes recorded a career-high six blocks for the Jazz.

Jaren Jackson Jr. returned to FedExForum after eight seasons with Memphis and scored 15 points for Utah before fouling out in the fourth quarter. Memphis traded him to the Jazz at last February’s deadline. Utah’s Darryn Peterson, the No. 2 draft pick from Kansas, scored nine points. Memphis rookie Cam Boozer, selected from Duke immediately after Peterson, had seven points, 11 rebounds and five assists while making two of 15 shots. Utah host New Orleans on Friday, when Memphis play at Golden State.