Cam Boozer made franchise history in his first NBA game, posting a game-high plus-32 rating to help the Memphis Grizzlies secure a 123-103 win over the Utah Jazz at FedExForum on October 21. The victory gives Memphis a 1W-0L start to the season as they prepare for a quick turnaround against the Golden State Warriors on October 23.
Boozer's shooting line was a tough 2-for-15 from the field and 0-for-6 from three-point range. But his impact went far beyond the box score. The rookie's plus-minus of plus-32 set a new Memphis Grizzlies record for a player in their NBA debut, a clear sign of his positive effect on the floor. While his shot wasn't falling, he contributed in other areas that don't always show up in traditional stat sheets.
The Grizzlies didn't need his scoring on this night. Veteran guard Ty Jerome carried the offensive load with a explosive 45-point performance. Jerome's outburst was the engine behind the 20-point victory, allowing Boozer to find his footing without the pressure to score. The team's defense was stifling, holding the Jazz to 103 points and creating easy transition opportunities.
A win is a win, and starting the campaign with a dominant home victory builds immediate momentum. The Grizzlies' recent form is now a perfect 1-0. Boozer's record-setting plus-minus is a huge positive for a front office that invested a high draft pick in him. It suggests his basketball IQ and defensive instincts translate to the NBA level already, even on an off shooting night.
Head coach Taylor Jenkins now has tangible evidence of how Boozer can help the team win when his shot isn't there. Integrating a rookie is always a process, but a historic defensive rating in game one accelerates that timeline. It gives the coaching staff confidence to keep him in significant rotations as the season progresses.
The schedule doesn't get easier. Memphis travels to face the Golden State Warriors on October 23 in their first road test of the young season. It's a classic early-season challenge against a perennial contender. How the Grizzlies adjust after a strong opening win will be telling.
All eyes will be on Boozer again. Can he bounce back with a more efficient shooting performance against the Warriors' defense? His ability to impact winning beyond scoring was the story of the opener. Replicating that defensive presence on the road would be another major step. The team's full upcoming schedule is available on our schedule page. For now, the mood in Memphis is optimistic after a convincing start to the 2026-27 campaign.
