Grizzlies Put Perfect Start on the Line in Jazz Rematch After Ty Jerome's 45-Point Opener

Memphis returns to Utah with momentum

The Memphis Grizzlies took an unbeaten record into Monday night's rematch with the Utah Jazz at Delta Center, five days after beating Utah 123-103 in their season opener. The teams were scheduled to meet at 9 p.m. Eastern in Salt Lake City; the final score was not confirmed when this article was filed. ^{[1] [2]}

Memphis arrived at 3-0 following a 123-112 road win over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, according to Field Level Media. It was only the third 3-0 start in franchise history and the team's best opening since 2017-18. Utah entered at 1-2 after a 132-123 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. ^{[1] [3]}

The rematch offered Utah an immediate opportunity to respond to a lopsided first meeting, while Memphis faced the second night of a road back-to-back. The early records describe just three games, not a guarantee about where either team will finish in the Western Conference. ^{[1] [3]}

Jerome's opening-night outburst

Jerome scored a career-high 45 points in the October 21 opener, shooting 17-for-25 and adding seven rebounds and six assists, Field Level Media reported. His total set a Grizzlies record for a season opener, surpassing the 44 scored by Ja Morant, who left Memphis in an offseason trade. ^[4]

Memphis controlled the glass 55-38 in that first meeting and used an 18-4 run to begin the third quarter to stretch its lead. Keyonte George scored 22 points for Utah, while Lauri Markkanen added 18 points and nine rebounds. The Jazz's Jaren Jackson Jr., a former Grizzlies player, scored 15 before fouling out. ^{[4] [5]}

Jerome followed with 31 points against Sacramento, making all 14 of his free throws. Rookie Cameron Boozer contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds in that game after posting 25 points and 13 rebounds against Golden State, according to the preview carried by Reuters. ^{[1] [3]}

Utah seeks a steadier finish

Utah's most recent outing showed both the potency and vulnerability of its offense. The Jazz scored 47 first-quarter points and built an 18-point lead against the Lakers, but lost 132-123. Markkanen scored 28 points, and George finished with 24 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds, Field Level Media reported. Luka Dončić scored 52 points for Los Angeles in the comeback. ^{[1] [6]}

Monday's meeting is a separate regular-season game from the October 21 opener, not a continuation of that result. A final score, individual totals and any consequential injuries from the rematch had not been verified at filing; those details will determine whether Memphis extends its unbeaten start or Utah earns a split of the teams' first two meetings. ^{[1] [2]}