Grizzlies hold off Jazz fightback to stay unbeaten in NBA

Memphis remain unbeaten after four games. The Grizzlies won 110–105 at Utah's Delta Center on Monday 26 October, after seeing the Jazz cut the gap to one point in the final minute. Cedric Coward finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Ty Jerome and Jaylen Wells sealed the win from the free-throw line. Utah, who lost Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. to injury in the first half, now have one win and three defeats.

Thirteen-point lead, then a tight finish

The Grizzlies took control in the first quarter, winning it 30–21. The Jazz narrowed the gap in the second, taking it 31–28, and went into the break six points behind (58–52). Memphis were still in command, but had not yet shaken off their opponents.

The third period gave the visitors some breathing space again. Memphis won it 31–24 to lead 89–76 going into the final quarter. Utah then took the last period 29–21 and cut the game to one possession. With one minute left, the Jazz trailed by just one point. Free throws from Wells and then Jerome allowed the Grizzlies to close out their fourth win without slipping up.

Coward and Memphis's supporting cast

No Memphis player scored more than 16 points, but six reached double figures. Coward was the visitors' top scorer, shooting 6 of 12 from the field, including 4 of 4 from beyond the arc. His 11 rebounds and 3 assists completed a double-double that proved decisive for the team.

Jerome scored 15 points and handed out 8 assists. His shooting from the field was limited, at 4 of 15, but he converted 6 of his 7 free throws. Wells added 14 points. Cameron Boozer and Jerami Grant scored 13 each, while Quinten Post contributed 12 points in 12 minutes, shooting 5 of 6.

Memphis made 16 of their 37 three-point attempts, against 10 of 33 for Utah. That difference of six threes was worth 18 points. The Grizzlies also missed just two free throws out of 22 attempts, against six out of 25 for the Jazz.

George and Bamba keep the Jazz hopeful

Keyonte George finished as the game's top scorer with 26 points, along with 6 assists. Ace Bailey posted 17 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks. Darryn Peterson added 14 points and 7 rebounds, but shot 5 of 18 from the field.

Mo Bamba provided an important response near the rim: 14 points on 7-of-8 shooting, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks in 29 minutes. Utah finished ahead on the boards (49–42), in offensive rebounds (14–6) and in points in the paint (46–34). That interior presence helped their comeback, but was not enough to turn the game around.

The Jazz had to reorganise after the exits of Markkanen and Jackson, who were limited to six and ten minutes respectively. Their young players and Bamba pulled them back into contention, but Memphis protected their lead in the closing possessions.

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