The Memphis Grizzlies wrapped up their 2026 preseason schedule with a commanding 117-98 victory over the Charlotte Hornets at FedExForum on October 16. The win gave Memphis a 3-1 record in exhibition play, building momentum ahead of the regular season opener. Defense and three-point shooting were sharp, and multiple players stepped up in the final tune-up.
Memphis controlled the game from the start. The team's defense was cohesive, forcing tough shots and creating transition opportunities. Offensively, the ball moved well and shots fell consistently from beyond the arc. This was a dress rehearsal, so head coach Taylor Jenkins extended minutes for his primary rotation players. Cam Boozer, Scotty Pippen Jr., and Cedric Coward all saw action deep into the fourth quarter, a sign of their expected roles.
Ty Jerome led the scoring early, putting up 17 points in just 22 minutes before exiting the contest. Rookie forward Cam Boozer played 29 minutes and finished with a team-high 19 points, continuing his impressive preseason. The Grizzlies also experimented with the lineup, starting wing Kris Murray over Jaylen Wells. Murray didn't score but contributed defensively with two rebounds, a steal, and a block as the team evaluated his fit.
Finishing the preseason with a 3-1 record provides a tangible confidence boost. The victories included a 104-100 road win over the Chicago Bulls on October 9 and a 132-123 victory against the Atlanta Hawks on October 5. Their lone loss was a close 122-118 game to the Orlando Magic on October 7. More important than the record is the team's health and rhythm. While GG Jackson (ankle), Isaiah Stewart (ankle), and Jerami Grant (general soreness) sat out the finale, the extended run for the core group was valuable.
Jenkins got a long look at his rotation combinations and defensive schemes. The performance of Jerome and Boozer offers promising scoring options behind the established stars. Evaluating players like Murray in a starting role helps finalize roster decisions before the cut-down deadline. The team showed they can win with defense and balanced scoring, a formula they'll need when the games count.
The preseason is over. Attention now fully shifts to the 2026-27 NBA regular season. Memphis opens at home against the Utah Jazz on October 21 at 7 p.m. CT. That game will be broadcast on DAZN-MEM. The Jazz will provide an immediate test of the defensive improvements shown over the past two weeks.
Fans can track the team's progress and view the full schedule on our schedule page. The hope is that the momentum from a strong preseason, capped by the 117-98 win over Charlotte, carries into a successful start against Western Conference opponents. The work done in October sets the stage for the long grind ahead.
