Rookie forward Cameron Boozer recorded his first career triple-double with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists, propelling the Memphis Grizzlies to a 124-103 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on the road. The win improved the Grizzlies’ record to 5-0 to start the season.
Memphis received a balanced offensive effort, with reserve Isaiah Stewart also scoring 18 points. Cedric Coward contributed 17 points, seven rebounds, and three steals, while Zach Edey added 13 points. Off the bench, GG Jackson scored 12 points, and Ty Jerome, Jaylen Wells, and reserve Quinten Post each chipped in 10 points. The Grizzlies pulled away in the second half, outscoring Portland 66-45.
For the Trail Blazers, Deni Avdija led the way with 24 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Ja Morant added 14 points and three assists in 23 minutes of action before exiting the game in the fourth quarter due to a left hamstring injury. Toumani Camara scored 13 points, Donovan Clingan contributed 11, and Damian Lillard finished with nine points on 3-of-13 shooting.
The contest was tied at 58 at halftime, but Memphis took control during the second half. A 3-pointer by Jerome pushed the lead to 101-89 with 8:43 remaining in the game, sparking a decisive 13-0 burst capped by another triple from Coward that made it 111-89.
In other NBA action, the New Orleans Pelicans secured their first victory of the season by defeating the visiting Sacramento Kings 132-120. Jeremiah Fears tallied 22 points and a career-best 13 assists, while Zion Williamson also scored 22 points and added five steals. Sacramento rookie Darius Acuff Jr. poured in a season-best 34 points, and De’Andre Hunter and Precious Achiuwa each scored 24 for the winless Kings.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks snapped a three-game losing streak with a hard-fought 114-111 victory over the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers. Onyeka Okongwu scored a season-high 29 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, shooting 11-for-17 from the field with four 3-pointers. Nickeil Alexander-Walker secured the win by sinking two free throws with 15.3 seconds remaining, finishing with 20 points. Cleveland was paced by James Harden’s season-high 24 points and 22 points from Donovan Mitchell.
