Utah Jazz young core shines in hard-fought loss to Grizzlies
Oct 26, 2026, 10:29 PM
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 26: Cameron Boozer #27 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives into Darryn Peterson #22 of the Utah Jazz during the second half of a game at Delta Center on October 26, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY — Despite missing its two best players, the Utah Jazz kept it close down the stretch against the Memphis Grizzlies, before eventually dropping 110-105.
The loss puts Utah at 1-3 on the season with two more games left on the early-season homestand.
🟣🟣🟣🟣 https://t.co/ghdIGZkcYJ
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) October 27, 2026
The story of the first half, unfortunately, was not about basketball.
In the first quarter, Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. suffered injuries and would eventually be ruled out for the rest of the game.
With the team’s two best players out, others had to step up — and did.
Keyonte George, Darryn Peterson, and Ace Bailey combined for 26 in the second half. That trio finished with 26, 14, and 17, respectively.
The “next man up” mentality was prevalent, both in the product and from the team in post-game availabilities.
Josh Green and Josh Okogie saw increased opportunity. Most notably, Mo Bamba made his regular season debut, and ended up playing 28 minutes with immense impact. Bamba finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks.
Josh Green on the team’s effort tonight.
“At the end of the day, we’re a young team. To be able to show fight like that, it’s a step in the right direction.”
Also talked about a “next man up” mentality with Lauri and JJJ going down.
#TakeNote | @kslsports
— Chandler Holt (@CHoltSports) October 27, 2026
The Grizzlies led for the majority of the game, but it stayed in single digits for much of the fourth quarter. The Delta Center was rocking as the Jazz’s young core and second unit players kept them in it down to the final minutes.
Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr. ruled out with injuries
In the first half, both Markkanen and Jackson Jr. headed to the locker room with injuries. They were later ruled out for the rest of the game.
RELATED: Jaren Jackson Jr., Lauri Markkanen injured against Grizzlies
Markkanen’s was a right wrist injury, and it was the right knee for JJJ.
Expect further information and availability updates for both players tomorrow.
Jazz vs. Grizzlies Quick Hits
- Darryn Peterson shot 1/7 from three in his first three games. On Monday, he shot 60%, making three of his five attempts from downtown.
- After giving up 45 points to Ty Jerome in the season opener, Utah responded. The NBA’s leader in points per game had just 15 points on 4/15 shooting in the rematch.
- After getting beat on the boards pretty bad in the season opener, the Jazz fought back Monday night, grabbing seven more total rebounds and eight more offensive rebounds.
- The Utah Jazz stay at home to face off against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, October 28. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. (MT).
