Deadspin: Grizzlies Carry Rare 3-0 Start Into Jazz Rematch in Salt Lake City

Memphis keeps winning

Memphis beat the host Sacramento Kings 123-112 on Sunday night, reaching 3-0 for only the third time in franchise history. The team is off to its strongest start since the 2017-18 season.

Jerome, now a starter after Ja Morant’s offseason departure, entered Sunday leading the NBA with 36.5 points per game. He scored 31 against Sacramento, making all 14 of his free throws.

Jerome and Boozer contribute

Jerome scored a career-high 45 points in Memphis’ season-opening home win over Utah. Coach Tuomas Iisalo praised the guard’s preparation after he worked to recover from a serious calf injury sustained before last season.

Boozer, the 2026 draft’s third overall pick, had 16 points and 11 rebounds against Sacramento. He had recorded 25 points and 13 rebounds in Friday’s win at Golden State; the 19-year-old has struggled with his shooting but has played confidently.

Jazz seek a response

Utah lost 132-123 at home to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, its second defeat in three games. The Jazz opened with 47 points in the first quarter and built an 18-point lead before Luka Doncic scored 52 in the Lakers’ comeback.

Lauri Markkanen led Utah with 28 points. Keyonte George finished with 24 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds, while former Memphis star Jaren Jackson Jr. added 20 points.

The Jazz collected 20 offensive rebounds, producing 34 second-chance points, and scored 58 points in the paint—28 more than Los Angeles. Coach Will Hardy said the team was improving in several areas and noted the value of late-game challenges for young players.