Ty Jerome Extends Scoring Surge in Sacramento Victory
Ty Jerome scored 31 points, converting all 14 of his free-throw attempts, to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 123-112 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night, October 25, 2026, as reported by WRAL. The win improved the Grizzlies’ record to 3-0 at the start of the NBA season, marking only the third time in franchise history that the team has achieved a three-game winning streak right out of the gate.
Jerome has stepped into the starting point guard role following Ja Morant’s offseason departure. After being limited to just 15 games last season due to a serious calf injury, Jerome has opened the current campaign averaging 36.5 points per game, placing him at the top of the NBA scoring leaderboard following his 45-point performance in the season opener.
Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo has expressed admiration for Jerome’s dedicated work ethic during the spring and summer months, which allowed him to arrive at training camp in peak physical condition and play with remarkable confidence. This resurgence has provided an invaluable catalyst for Memphis as the team navigates the demanding opening stretch of the 2026-27 schedule.
Balanced Roster Contributions and Second-Half Run
Beyond Jerome’s scoring output, the Grizzlies received significant production from their younger rotation pieces. Rookie Cameron Boozer contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Cedric Coward added 15 points and 11 rebounds. Jaylen Wells also chipped in 16 points for Memphis, which utilized strong perimeter shooting to distance itself from Sacramento.
The Grizzlies constructed a 54-44 lead in the second quarter following back-to-back 3-pointers by Cam Spencer. Memphis shot 7 of 14 from beyond the arc in the second period alone, outscoring the Kings 42-31 to finish the first half with a 67-59 advantage. Seven different Memphis players managed to sink at least one 3-pointer during the opening two quarters.
Boozer, selected third overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, has quickly adjusted to the professional pace despite initial shooting challenges, displaying a poise and maturity praised by veteran teammates. His presence inside, alongside Coward’s efficient rebounding and scoring, has helped compensate for roster absences and given Memphis notable frontcourt depth.
Sacramento’s Fourth-Quarter Charge Fall Short
The Kings mounted a substantial comeback in the final period, erasing the deficit to tie the game at 106-106 after a three-play sequence concluded with a basket and free throw by Domantas Sabonis at the 5:41 mark of the fourth quarter. Zach LaVine led Sacramento with 37 points and five assists, while rookie Darius Acuff Jr. added 22 points on 9-of-23 shooting, and Sabonis finished with a double-double of 15 points and 15 rebounds.
Memphis responded immediately to the tie through an interior basket and subsequent free throw by Isaiah Stewart, a field goal by Coward, and a decisive 3-pointer by Jerome that pushed the visitors’ lead back out to eight points. The late burst secured the double-digit victory despite the Grizzlies missing center Zach Edey due to left ankle injury management and the Kings playing without Keegan Murray, who was sidelined due to an illness.
Sacramento’s late-game surge tested the defensive resilience of the unbeaten Grizzlies, highlighting how quickly double-digit margins can vanish against perimeter-heavy opponents featuring aggressive playmakers like LaVine and Acuff. However, the composed execution down the stretch underlined the tactical adaptability instilled by the Memphis coaching staff.
Upcoming Schedule and Stakes
With the 3-0 start secured, the unbeaten Grizzlies prepare to travel for a matchup against the Utah Jazz on Monday night. Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings look to rebound when they visit the San Antonio Kings’ divisional rival, the San Antonio Spurs, on Tuesday night as both teams navigate the early weeks of the 2026-27 NBA regular season.
The upcoming contest against Utah presents another quick turnaround for Memphis, requiring the coaching staff to carefully manage player minutes and physical recovery, especially with key rotation members already dealing with early-season maintenance protocols. For Sacramento, establishing defensive consistency against San Antonio remains an immediate priority to avoid falling behind in a competitive Western Conference race.