Utah Jazz guard Darryn Peterson made his much-awaited debut in the NBA on Wednesday, fulfilling a lifelong dream, with his family and friends being proud of how far he has come.
However, Memphis Grizzlies guard Ty Jerome decided to gate-crash the party.
Peterson, the No. 2 pick in this year's draft, was slapped with a reality check, as he was embarrassed by Jerome—again and again. It probably felt like being in a nightmare ad nauseam. The Grizzlies blew out the Jazz, 123-103, at FedExForum.
Jerome dropped a career-high 45 points on top of seven rebounds and six assists. He shot 17-of-25 from the field, including 5-of-10 from long range.
TY JEROME TONIGHT:
45 POINTS
7 REBOUNDS
6 ASSISTS
68% FG pic.twitter.com/xxt52tmpeG— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 22, 2026
Peterson, meanwhile, had nine points on 3-of-7 shooting from the floor, four rebounds, and three assists.
Fans made the same joke after the 19-year-old rookie was destroyed by the 29-year-old journeyman.
“Darryn Peterson's gonna be on a podcast in eight years talking about Ty Jerome as his welcome-to-the-league moment,” said @stillreggie_.
“(Jerome) gave Darryn Peterson a warm welcome to the league, LMAO,” added @EB3TV_.
“In 10 years, they're gonna ask Darryn Peterson what was his welcome-to-the-NBA moment, and this would be his answer,” echoed @Love4ADolla.
“A year and a half from now, one of these NBA player podcasts will ask Darryn Peterson what his welcome-to-the-league moment was, and watch him say ‘Ty Jerome dropped 45 on opening night,'” wrote @kikuua.
Article Continues Below“Darryn Peterson's welcome-to-the-NBA moment being Ty Jerome is gonna be a funny story to tell,” commented @AaronSpencer__.
In the meantime, it is hard for Peterson to laugh.
But he will surely learn from the experience, and getting knocked down early could be a blessing in disguise.
The Jazz will host the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday.