The Memphis Grizzlies faced their first defeat of the season on Monday night, but it was Ty Jerome who stole the spotlight. The Grizzlies point guard delivered an impressive 40 points on 64% shooting against the New Orleans Pelicans, hitting five of six three-pointers and seven of eight free throws. With the team trailing 124-115 at 1:43 in the fourth quarter, Jerome ignited a personal 9-0 run to force overtime.

Just under two weeks since his opening night performance of 45 points against the Utah Jazz, the MVP conversation may be premature, yet Jerome's scoring prowess cannot be overlooked. He currently ranks as the league's sixth-leading scorer, averaging 28.3 points per game with shooting splits of 50/42/88.

Questions arise about Jerome's remarkable transformation from a G League player to a scoring machine. After a rocky start with the Suns, Thunder, and Warriors, he found his rhythm with the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2024-25 season, averaging 12.5 PPG on 51/44 shooting splits and finishing third in Sixth Man of the Year voting. In the playoffs, he averaged over 16 PPG, showcasing his ability to shine in crucial moments.

Jerome’s scoring efficiency has always been evident. During his time in Cleveland, he averaged 22.7 points per 36 minutes, outperforming stars like Jamal Murray and Jimmy Butler. The Grizzlies recognized his potential, signing him to a three-year, $28 million contract in the summer of 2025, which is now viewed as one of the best bargains in the league.

After recovering from a calf strain that sidelined him for most of last season, Jerome debuted with 20 points in 20 minutes. This season, he averages 0.91 points per minute, placing him fourth in the league among players with significant playing time. While his MVP-level start may be surprising, his scoring surge is rooted in a consistent upward trajectory, with increased minutes and usage translating into impressive performances.