Boozer's Bright Debut Headlines New-Era Grizzlies' 132-123 Preseason Win Over Hawks

No. 3 overall pick Cameron Boozer put up 11 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals in 18 minutes as Memphis beat Atlanta 132-123 in its first preseason game of the post-Morant era.

Boozer's Bright Debut Headlines New-Era Grizzlies' 132-123 Preseason Win Over Hawks

The Memphis Grizzlies opened the post-Ja Morant era in style on Monday, beating the Atlanta Hawks 132-123 in their preseason opener — and rookie Cameron Boozer looked every bit the franchise cornerstone.

The third-overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft stuffed the stat sheet in just 18 minutes: 11 points on 5-of-9 shooting, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. With Morant now in Portland and Jaren Jackson Jr. also traded away in recent months, the Grizzlies have handed the keys to Boozer, and the 18-minute glimpse suggested he is ready.

Morant, traded to the Trail Blazers in July for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, watched from afar and posted an Instagram story during the game, tagging former teammates Scotty Pippen Jr. and GG Jackson. He will face Memphis three times this season, with his FedExForum return set for February.

For Atlanta, Jalen Johnson managed just eight points on 1-of-7 shooting in 17 minutes in the loss.

Published by SportRush Desk on 2026-10-06T04:28:36.882+00:00