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The Memphis Grizzlies secured a 104-100 preseason victory over the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on October 9, showcasing promising signs from their young roster. The Grizzlies built a lead of as many as 14 points in the first half while their projected rotation players saw action.
Head coach Tuomas Iisalo is tasked with evaluating rotation players and lineup combinations while also giving fringe roster candidates a chance to prove themselves. The game provided valuable insights into several players' development.
Ty Jerome Sets the Tone
Ty Jerome continued to make a strong case for the starting point guard position, leading Memphis with 16 points in the first half. He knocked down four of the team's six 3-pointers in the first two quarters and was directly involved in 28 of the Grizzlies' 60 first-half points, either scoring or assisting. Jerome sat out the second half, allowing others to audition for roles. Through three preseason games, his scoring and playmaking have provided stability as Memphis adjusts to life without Ja Morant.
Zach Edey Shows Progress
Zach Edey returned to the starting lineup for the second straight game and played into the third quarter, finishing with 10 points, five rebounds, two steals, and one block in 16 minutes. The center appeared more forceful, running the floor with greater urgency, establishing deeper post position, and drawing extra defensive attention. He also demonstrated rim-protecting ability. Edey, who has undergone multiple ankle surgeries, is still working back to full strength, but his increased playing time and encouraging performance are positive signs for a Grizzlies team expecting him to make an impact in the paint this season.
GG Jackson and Cam Boozer Continue to Shine
GG Jackson is making a case for reliable instant offense off the bench. He scored 14 points against Chicago and has reached double figures in all three preseason games. After efficiency issues earlier in his career, Jackson showed progress by making five of nine shots. Rookie Cam Boozer also continued to impress, tallying 10 points, four rebounds, and three assists in 12 first-half minutes before sitting out the second half. Boozer and Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson are often compared after being selected with consecutive picks in the 2026 NBA Draft. When the two shared the court, Boozer was the more impactful player. Wilson finished with 21 points, but most of that production came in the second half over 31 minutes. Boozer has looked comfortable processing the game and making decisions beyond his years, standing out as a scorer and playmaker early in the preseason. Like Jerome, his night ended at halftime, giving others an opportunity to play. His performance offered another encouraging glimpse of what he could bring to Memphis as he adjusts to the NBA.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Cam Boozer wins latest battle with Caleb Wilson in Grizzlies' victory vs Bulls.
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