Markkanen slashed 35+9 Yuki Kawamura was refrigerated Morant 22+10 Grizzlies narrowly beat Jazz in the opener

On October 24, Beijing time, the Grizzlies challenged the Jazz away in the first round of the NBA regular season. After four quarters of fierce battle, the Grizzlies narrowly defeated the Jazz 126-124. Morant had 22 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists, Aldama had 27 points and 5 rebounds, Markkanen had 35 points and 9 rebounds, and Yuki Kawamura was unavailable.

At the beginning of the first quarter, the Jazz first led 5-0, and the Grizzlies bit the score through counter-attacking layups and outside three-pointers. Aldama, Bane, and Wells fired back-to-back shots from the outside to give the Grizzlies the lead. The Grizzlies returned a 5-0 run at the start of the second quarter and quickly extended their lead to double digits. With the exception of Markkanen and Sexton, the Jazz struggled to score, and the margin continued to widen. At the end of the quarter, Markkanen made consecutive free throws to help the Jazz chase the score. The Grizzlies led the Jazz 61-50 at halftime. The Grizzlies made 12 three-pointers in the first half, and the Jazz made just two three-pointers, both of which were hit by Markkanen.

In the second half, the Jazz went on a 10-3 run to stop the Grizzlies. After a timeout, Bane and Huff scored back-to-back points as the Grizzlies held on to the lead. Morant didn't have a good outside game, but he also scored double-doubles through breakouts and free throws. In this quarter, the Jazz found their touch on the outside and kept narrowing the difference. At the end of the quarter, Morant continued to attack the basket and made consecutive free throws to help the Grizzlies maintain their lead at 93-86. In the last quarter, Morant made another 2+1 layup, Konchar scored 5 points in a row, and the Grizzlies led again. Clarkson and Kessler teamed up to chase the points, Hendricks hit a three-pointer, and the Jazz narrowed the gap to a ball in the blink of an eye. Under the stalemate, it was difficult for Yuki Kawamura to get a chance to play. After the Jazz rebounded, Bane and Hurt scored three consecutive points to stop the bleeding for the Grizzlies. With two minutes left in the game, Kessler made a strong basket to equalize. Aldama ate a basket to help the Grizzlies regain the lead, Smart and Morant hit the basket in quick succession, and the Grizzlies held the victory. In the end, the Grizzlies narrowly defeated the Jazz 126-124.

Both starters:

Jazz starters: Markkanen, Hendricks, Kessler, Sexton, George

Grizzlies starters: Smart, Aldama, Eddie, Bane, Morant