You, Jerome set a franchise record for a season opener with 45 points Grizzlieslopsided win over Utah on Wednesday as DeMichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal details in story for subscribers only. The eighth-year senior, whose previous career high was 33 points, shot 17-of-25 from the field and had seven rebounds and six assists in just 32 minutes.
The Memphis crowd gave Jerome MVP shouts, which is a far cry from last season when he didn’t make his debut until January due to a shin strain.
“Cool moment– said Jerome.I was just happy with the crowd tonight. On opening night, I had no idea what to expect. Last year, given the circumstances, we didn’t have many full houses by the time I came back to play. It was really cool to see the place packed and the fans coming. It will help us a lot at home.”
Although he only played 15 times last season, Jerome was very efficient and productive in a small sample size, averaging 19.7 points, 5.7 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals on .474/.420/.875 shooting in just 22.6 minutes per game. Jerome’s teammates weren’t surprised by Wednesday’s play after battling with and against him throughout the offseason, Cole wrote.
“Crazy, but I feel like I’ve been waiting for this“, he said Scottie Pippen Jrwho called Jerome “one of the most efficient three-level scorers I’ve played with.” “I saw it every day in practice. The way he hits the ball, he hits his spots. Every time he took those shots, I saw him take them.”
Here’s more from Memphis:
- Cameron Boozerthe No. 3 pick in June’s draft, shot just 2-of-15 from the field in his regular-season debut for seven points. But the rookie forward also had 11 rebounds and five assists, and scored a record plus-32 in 33 minutes, writes Jonah Dillon of The Memphis Commercial Appeal (subscription required).
- Second-year wing Cedric Coward is coming off a strong 2025/26 campaign in which he finished fifth in Rookie of the Year voting and earned a place in the All-Rookie First Team. However, Coward, who had seven points, seven rebounds and two assists Wednesday, is dealing with a sprained left wrist and is listed as questionable for Friday’s contest at Golden State, the Grizzlies announced (via Twitter).
- On a brighter note, great man Isaiah Stewart was listed as questionable for Friday’s game after sitting out Wednesday’s opener with a sprained left ankle. Stewart, who was acquired from Detroit in the offseason, was injured during the preseason. Head coach Tuomas Iisala said before Wednesday’s opening — when Stewart was doubtful — that the 25-year-old “everything is fine” and was in a “very good mood”.