The new-look Memphis Grizzlies passed their first impression test.
In the team’s preseason opener against the Atlanta Hawks on Oct. 5 at State Farm Arena, the Grizzlies showcased strong positives on both ends of the floor that could serve as building blocks moving forward.
Memphis fell behind by 11 points early in the first quarter but still earned a 132-123 win over the Hawks.
The Grizzlies led by 20 points at halftime. Guard Ty Jerome and center Quinten Post started the game and did not play in the second half while other players got opportunities.
Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells and Cam Boozer played sparingly in the second half. With the starters out, the Hawks got back in the game and made a run in the fourth quarter.
GG Jackson led the Grizzlies
with 14 points in 15 minutes.
Here are three takeaways from the Grizzlies’ preseason-opening performance.
An impressive opening statement
Memphis scored 81 points in the first half and shot 60% from the field. The most impressive part of that production was how it came from a variety of players.
Ty Jerome scored 12 points in the first half and added five assists. Nine Grizzlies players made multiple field goals in the first half, but none made more than four.
That was an example of the collective brand of basketball Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo has emphasized throughout training camp. Memphis consistently moved the ball, shared the scoring load and found ways to create advantages without relying on one player to carry the offense.
Cam Boozer looks the part
It shouldn’t be a surprise that rookie forward Cam Boozer looked like a polished rookie in his first preseason action.
Boozer impacted the game in several ways and filled the stat sheet. He finished with 11 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals in 18 minutes.
The Hawks threw different defenders at Boozer and forced him to make quick decisions while reading the floor. Boozer repeatedly put his teammates in advantageous situations while also showcasing his own ability to get downhill and score.
He combined his powerful downhill game with the gracefulness he displayed on a turnaround fadeaway jumper, giving the Grizzlies another glimpse of the offensive versatility that made him the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Injury updates
Grizzlies center Zach Edey was held out of the preseason opener asthe team continues to manage his workload leading into the regular season. The Grizzlies have reiterated that the goal is for Edey to be available for the regular-season opener.
The depth at center took an early hit when Isaiah Stewart fell in the first quarter after contesting a shot at the rim.Stewart injured his ankle and did not return after playing just two minutes.
Stewart is expected to compete with Post for the backup center role behind Edey.
What’s next
The Grizzlies will host their preseason home opener against the Orlando Magic on Oct. 7 (7 p.m. CT, DAZN).
It’s unclear how many players will see action, but the Grizzlies want to get extended looks at their roster before evaluating where the team stands after three preseason games.
Memphis will have a week between its first three preseason games and the finale on Oct. 16.
The game against the Magic also will mark the first time former Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane has returned to Memphis since he was traded to the Orlando Magic in June 2025.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: New-look Grizzlies, Cam Boozer make strong preseason impression vs Hawks
