NBA's early scoring leader played just 15 games last season, and almost nobody saw this coming originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Three games into the NBA season, the league's most surprising scoring story isn't coming from Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or another established superstar. It's coming from Memphis Grizzlies guard Ty Jerome.
Jerome entered the season after an injury-disrupted campaign in which he appeared in only 15 games. Now he's helping lead one of the NBA's few remaining unbeaten teams.
Jerome scored 31 points Sunday night as Memphis defeated the Sacramento Kings 123-112, improving to 3-0. The veteran guard also made all 14 of his free-throw attempts.
Through the opening week, Jerome is averaging 36.5 points per game, putting him at the top of the NBA's early scoring leaderboard. It's an extraordinary development for a player who spent much of the previous season trying to get healthy.
From an injury-shortened season to a scoring explosion
Jerome's opening week has been remarkable. He began the season by scoring a career-high 45 points against the Utah Jazz, immediately establishing himself as a major offensive weapon for Memphis. The Grizzlies won that game 123-103.
Jerome followed with another productive performance as Memphis defeated Golden State 111-108. Then came Sunday's victory in Sacramento.
The Grizzlies needed another strong offensive performance to protect their unbeaten record, and Jerome delivered. His 31 points helped Memphis overcome a Sacramento team that received 37 points from Zach LaVine.
Jerome's perfect 14-for-14 performance at the free-throw line was especially important in a competitive game. The veteran guard wasn't simply producing spectacular highlights. He was generating efficient offense and helping Memphis win.
Memphis has more than one surprising contributor
Jerome has attracted attention, but the Grizzlies have also received important production from their younger players. Rookie Cameron Boozer recorded 16 points and 11 rebounds against Sacramento, continuing an encouraging start to his NBA career. Boozer, the third overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft, previously contributed 25 points and 13 rebounds against Golden State.
Cedric Coward added 15 points and 11 rebounds Sunday, giving Memphis another double-double. Jaylen Wells scored 16 points, while the Grizzlies received valuable contributions throughout their rotation.
The balance helped Memphis survive a late Sacramento comeback.
The Kings tied the game 106-106 during the fourth quarter, threatening to hand the Grizzlies their first defeat. Memphis responded with a three-point play from Isaiah Stewart, a basket from Coward and a three-pointer from Jerome.
That sequence helped the Grizzlies regain control. It was another example of a team finding contributions from multiple players instead of relying entirely on one star.
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A rare start creates an interesting question
Memphis has opened a season 3-0 only three times in franchise history. The latest unbeaten start is particularly interesting because the Grizzlies have accomplished it with a combination of veteran production and emerging young talent.
Jerome's scoring has been the biggest surprise.
The question now is how much of his incredible opening week can continue. A 36.5-point scoring average is difficult for anyone to maintain across an entire NBA season.
Defenses will adjust, opponents will pay more attention to Jerome and Memphis will encounter teams better equipped to challenge its offensive approach.
But the Grizzlies don't need Jerome to average nearly 37 points forever. They need him to remain a dependable scorer while their younger players continue developing.
Memphis returns to action Monday against Utah, giving Jerome another opportunity to build on his remarkable start. One week ago, he was a veteran guard trying to establish himself after a difficult season. Now he's leading the NBA in scoring. That's a pretty remarkable way to begin a comeback.