Boozer's First Triple-Double Keeps Grizzlies Perfect as Morant Exits Hurt

Cameron Boozer announced himself on the road in Portland, recording the first triple-double of his young career as the Memphis Grizzlies stayed perfect with a 124-103 win over the Trail Blazers on Thursday night. The rookie finished with 18 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists, becoming the second-youngest player in NBA history to post a triple-double, and Memphis pulled away after a 58-58 halftime tie by outscoring Portland 66-45 in the second half. Reserve Isaiah Stewart also scored 18, Cedric Coward added 17 and Zach Edey chipped in 13 as eight Grizzlies reached double figures. Deni Avdija led Portland with 24 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, but the hosts suffered their first defeat of the season. The night also carried a worrying subplot for the Blazers: Ja Morant, facing his former team for the first time since his summer trade, scored 14 points in 23 minutes before leaving in the fourth quarter with a left hamstring injury and not returning. Memphis, now 5-0 and one win short of the franchise-best 6-0 start from 2014, return home to face Sacramento on Saturday.