Jazz open season with a 2-point loss to the Grizzlies

SALT LAKE CITY — Some Jazz fans got exactly what they wanted on Wednesday.

A scrappy Jazz team that kept order? Check.

Promising performances by young players? Check.

A loss? Check and check.

Lauri Markkanen scored 32 points and Walker Kessler tried to put a big game behind a disappointing second season, but the Jazz fell short with a 126-124 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies to open the season.

The Jazz rallied from a 13-point deficit in the second half to tie the game with 2:48 left, largely behind some brilliant play from Markkanen.

The Finnish star made 9 of 15 points from the field and added nine rebounds, and the Jazz outscored the Grizzlies by 16 points in his 34 minutes.

But it wasn't just him leading the charge.

Kessler had 16 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks, and Taylor Hendricks had 12 points and five rebounds while battling difficult isolations on defense. In a season where development is at the forefront, the Jazz had plenty to be excited about.

“It's funny, you lose by two and it doesn't feel good,” Hardy said. “But I really felt like there was more good than bad in this game.”

This story will be updated.