The Memphis Grizzlies kicked off their 2026 NBA preseason schedule with a 132-123 road win over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night. Former Tennessee Volunteers guard Jahmai Mashack made his unofficial debut for the Grizzlies, contributing in limited minutes. The game at State Farm Arena drew a crowd of 10,923 fans. This positive start offers a fresh narrative for a team looking to move past a tough end to the previous regular season, which concluded with a 132-101 loss to the Houston Rockets on April 13, 2026.
Memphis controlled the contest from the outset, leading for 73 percent of the game and building a commanding 23-point advantage at its peak. GG Jackson led all Grizzlies scorers with 14 points. Jaylen Wells and Ty Jerome each added 12 points, while rookie Cameron Boozer posted a solid all-around line of 11 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals. For the Hawks, Nickeil Alexander-Walker matched Jackson's game-high 14 points, and Kingston Flemmings chipped in 11. Atlanta managed to win the rebounding battle 45-41, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Grizzlies' efficient offense.
Jahmai Mashack checked in for eight minutes of action. The defensive-minded guard was efficient in his limited run, making his only field goal attempt to finish with two points, one rebound, and one assist. His debut provides an early look at a player who could compete for a rotation spot with his energy on the perimeter. The team's overall performance, featuring balanced scoring and periods of dominant play, is a welcome sight.
Mashack's first appearance in a Grizzlies uniform, even in preseason, marks a step in the team's ongoing roster evaluation. Known for his tenacious defense during his college career at Tennessee, his skill set addresses a perpetual need for wing defenders. Getting him integrated into the system now allows the coaching staff to assess his fit alongside established players. Every minute of preseason film is valuable for a player on the fringe of the rotation, and a clean, efficient showing like this one is a good start.
This game also served as an important early test for the team's younger core, including Boozer and Jackson. Building positive habits and winning momentum, even in exhibition games, can help establish a culture. After finishing the 2025-26 regular season on a four-game losing streak-a stretch that included defeats to Cleveland, Milwaukee, Phoenix, and Houston-any win is a chance to reset the mentality.
Memphis doesn't have long to dwell on this win. The preseason schedule continues rapidly with a home game against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. Tip-off at FedEx Forum is set for 8 p.m. EDT. This back-to-back set of games will test the team's depth and give more players, including Mashack, opportunities to state their case for regular-season minutes. The coaching staff will likely experiment with different lineups and rotations against Orlando.
The focus remains squarely on preparation for the regular season opener in October. These exhibition games are the primary laboratory for finalizing rotations and reinforcing offensive and defensive schemes. For players fighting for jobs, performances like Boozer's stat-stuffing night or Mashack's steady debut are exactly what the front office wants to see. The next result will add another piece to the puzzle as the Grizzlies aim to turn the page from last season's difficult finish.
