MikeCheck: Grizzlies set ‘example of what we want to be’ while seeking to build on debut win
Michael WallaceTakeaways from historic season-opening victory
MEMPHIS – Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo had two expectations for his team entering the regular season opener following a relatively healthy training camp and productive preseason.
“Always learn,” Iisalo insisted. “And improve collectively.”
As season-opening standards go, the Grizzlies established a sky-high bar with a historic performance in their debut. Here are my two takeaways from Wednesday’s 123-103 thumping of the Jazz and a lookahead to Friday’s matchup at Golden State to open a four-game trip.
Jerome’s Binge Watch
The Grizzlies work out on practice courts that have a designated 4-point line, which is a full step beyond the NBA’s normal 3-point arc. Combo guard Ty Jerome routinely takes shots from there.
So, it should come as no surprise that his shooting range and comfort zone both stretch well beyond normal limits. Still, even Jerome had to playfully apologize for the “heat check” he launched from just across midcourt for his final attempt on an otherwise magical night.
“That one was a little far,” Jerome said through a guilty grin.
The 35-footer was one of the rare misses during a team-leading performance in which Jerome shot 17-for-25 from the field, 5-of-10 on threes and notched a career-high 45 points along with seven rebounds and six assists in 32 minutes.
It represented the most points scored by a Grizzlies player during a season opener in franchise history, surpassing the 44-point outburst from former point guard Ja Morant in 2020. The 20-point win was also the largest margin of victory for a season opener in franchise history.
Although the scoring binge stood out, Jerome suggested his aggressive approach was simply the result of adapting to what the game dictated based on how the Jazz defended. What the effort truly underscored is something far clearer and precise in the bigger picture.
Even as the Grizzlies remain a work in progress largely retooling around first, second and third-year players, the 29-year-old Jerome is a proven veteran capable of providing a big scoring punch.
“I say this all the time, man: the game kind of tells you what to do,” Jerome explained. “So those shots (that were available) are shots that I shoot every day, maybe besides that last one. But if teams are going to play us like that, I’m confident in those shots.”
Jerome embraces a fresh start and a leadership role after being limited by injuries last season when he arrived in free agency. This season, he has taken over the starting role at point guard and entered Wednesday’s opener coming off an impressive preseason in which he led Memphis in scoring and shot 47.4-percent on threes.
While Jerome’s scoring set the tone against Utah, the Grizzlies collectively controlled the game on both ends after trailing 31-29 after the first quarter. Memphis then outscored the Jazz 69-48 in the second and third quarters and dominated with a 55-38 rebounding edge for the game.
“That’s who we are as a group – we’re going to play fast, play in waves and everyone is going to contribute every night because that’s who we are,” Jerome assured. “Today was a real good example of what we want to be, and we’re going to continue to build on that.”
No Place Like Home
Iisalo, Jerome and rookie No. 3 pick Cam Boozer all emphasized how much of a boost the Grizzlies got from the home crowd at FedExForum.
The atmosphere started with a memorial tribute and moment of silence to honor the memory of former Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke, who died in May. It continued with player introductions emceed by former Grizzlies legends Zach Randolph and Tony Allen.
The Grizzlies reciprocated that energy with their relentless play on the court.
“We want to make a good impression,” Iisalo said. “We’re not only vying for wins, but we’re also vying to win over our own fans and prove to them that this is a team worth cheering for because of how we play.”
One play in particular brought fans to their feet with thunderous cheers. It came at the 8:03 mark in the third quarter when Jaylen Wells dove into the courtside seats for a steal, then pushed the ball to a streaking Cam Boozer in transition. Boozer finished with an emphatic dunk over Jazz forward and former Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. in the lane.
That play came during the decisive run that pushed the Grizzlies’ lead to 20 points.
“It was a lot of energy in the crowd,” Boozer acknowledged. “Getting stops and steals leading to points, it’s great for the team because we’re all playing together. Just good vibes. And when the arena erupts like that, it brings even more energy. It’s a lot of fun out there. It was electric. That opened the game up for us. When we’re playing like that, we can compete with anyone.”
Boozer contributed a game-high 11 rebounds and seven points in his NBA debut. He also set a league rookie record with a plus-32 impact, highest for any player in his first career NBA game.
Homecoming Season Continues
On the heels of Jackson Jr.’s return to Memphis, the Grizzlies get another homecoming experience on Friday when center Quinten Post heads back to Golden State.
Post signed with Memphis as a restricted free agent in July after spending the previous two seasons with the Warriors, where he played 109 games and averaged 7.8 points. Memphis valued the 7-footer’s screen-setting and ability to extend his shooting to the 3-point line.
In Memphis, Post is part of a three-man center rotation that features starter Zach Edey and another offseason acquisition in veteran Isaiah Stewart. Post is grateful for the knowledge he gained from NBA champions and future Hall of Famers in Steph Curry and Draymond Green.
Post also embraces the opportunity he now has with Memphis ahead of his return to the Bay.
“It’s a new role and new guys after being with guys like Steph and Dray,” said Post, who finished with seven points in 19 minutes off the bench against Utah. “Over here, Coach Iisalo has a whole new system. Learning to play with these guys here has been big, and I hope to keep building on that. Right now, what’s being asked of me is to be a little more aggressive (defensively) than in Golden State. That’s been an adjustment. But I think it’s going to work out.”
Post’s contributions will continue to be vital as the Grizzlies manage Edey’s initial playing time coming off ankle surgery and as Stewart works his way back from a preseason ankle injury.
Published on Oct 22, 2026
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