3 takeaways from the Utah Jazz's season-opening loss
The Salt Lake Tribune • • sports
Key Points:
- The Utah Jazz suffered a 123-103 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in their season opener, with coach Will Hardy expressing frustration over the team's defensive performance, particularly allowing too many open 3-pointers and poor rebounding.
- Memphis guard Ty Jerome led the Grizzlies with 45 points, while Utah's Keyonte George scored 22 points and Lauri Markkanen added 18 points and nine rebounds; the Jazz struggled defensively, especially in transition and on the boards, being outrebounded 55-38.
- Rookie Darryn Peterson started for the Jazz, handling the ball more than in preseason and finishing with 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists, though his defense showed room for improvement; coach Hardy described his debut as "okay" with a need for better execution.
- Former Memphis player Jaren Jackson received a warm ovation returning to FedExForum but struggled with fouls and turnovers, fouling out after 28 minutes despite scoring 15 points on efficient shooting.
