The Utah Jazz opened their 2026 NBA Summer League campaign with a confident 109-100 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on July 7 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. The Jazz controlled the tempo for most of the night, leaning on balanced scoring and a strong second-half push to secure the win in front of a lively summer crowd.

Match Overview

Both teams entered the game with young rosters eager to make an impression, but it was Utah’s poise in transition and efficient three-point shooting that made the difference. The Jazz outscored Memphis 30-22 in the pivotal third quarter, turning a one-point halftime lead into a comfortable double-digit advantage. The Grizzlies fought back in the fourth, trimming the margin to five points with under three minutes to play, but Utah answered with back-to-back buckets to seal the result.

Key Players and Performances

• Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George led all scorers with 24 points on 9-of-16 shooting, including 4-of-7 from deep. He also dished out six assists and grabbed four rebounds in 28 minutes of action.
• Jazz rookie Taylor Hendricks continued to show versatility, posting a 15-point, 11-rebound double-double while adding three blocked shots. His energy on both ends was a constant factor.
• Memphis guard Scotty Pippen Jr. was the standout for the Grizzlies, finishing with 22 points, eight assists, and five rebounds. He kept his team in the game with aggressive drives to the basket and crisp playmaking.
• Rookie big man Zach Edey contributed 14 points and nine rebounds for Memphis but struggled with foul trouble, picking up his fourth early in the third quarter.

Tactical Story

The Jazz employed a fast-paced offense that emphasized ball movement and spacing. Utah assisted on 24 of its 38 made field goals and shot 41% from three-point range (14-of-34). Defensively, they funneled Memphis into contested mid-range jumpers and limited second-chance opportunities, holding the Grizzlies to just eight offensive rebounds.

Memphis, meanwhile, tried to establish an inside-out game through Edey and forward GG Jackson, but Utah’s help defense and timely rotations forced turnovers (16 for the Grizzlies) that translated into 19 fast-break points for the Jazz.

Game Flow and Key Moments

• First quarter: Both teams traded baskets early. A 9-2 run by Utah late in the quarter gave them a 28-23 lead.
• Second quarter: Memphis responded with a 14-4 surge, taking a 51-50 advantage into the locker room. Pippen Jr. scored 11 of his points in the period.
• Third quarter: Utah outscored Memphis 30-22. George erupted for 12 points in the frame, including two step-back threes that ignited the bench.
• Fourth quarter: The Grizzlies cut the deficit to 98-93 with 2:45 left, but Hendricks threw down a dunk off a steal, and George followed with a clutch three-pointer to push the lead back to 10.

Looking Ahead

The win gives Utah early momentum in the Summer League tournament. The Jazz will next face the Cleveland Cavaliers on July 9, while Memphis will look to bounce back against the Los Angeles Clippers. For both teams, the Summer League remains an important evaluation period for fringe roster players and developing prospects.

With contributions up and down the lineup, the Jazz showed the depth and chemistry that could make them a difficult out in Las Vegas. If George and Hendricks continue to produce at this level, Utah’s summer squad could make a deep run.