Memphis Grizzlies erase double-digit deficit before falling to Denver Nuggets

The Memphis Grizzlies were in a trailing position for most of Friday night at FedExForum. They finally fought and clawed until a Derrick Rose jumper midway through the fourth quarter to take a brief lead, but it was all in vain in a 108-104 loss against the reigning champion Denver Nuggets.

The Nuggets responded quickly with an 8-2 run to regain control. Memphis was unable to rally again and suffered its second straight defeat to open the season.

Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 21 points. Marcus Smart added 20 and made three 3-pointers.

FINAL: Nuggets 108, Grizzlies 104

3:05 left: The Grizzlies have taken a 98-97 lead after a pullup jumper from Rose. FedExForum is as loud as it has been all game.

6:05 left: Another big play from Rose. He briefly went to the bench, but he checked right back and got a steal on Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. Rose went the other way for two points. Memphis now trails 95-93.

9:19 left: Derrick Rose is heating up. He has made two 3-pointers in the fourth quarter that have led to a Nuggets timeout. The Grizzlies trail 91-87.

11:21 left: Jaren Jackson Jr. has picked up his fifth foul and is leaving the game. He's leading the Grizzlies with 19 points and eight rebounds.

Third quarter

End of the third quarter: The Grizzlies trail 89-79. Memphis can't quite get over the hump when it makes a run. Denver has gotten excellent production from its bench. The Nuggets have a 33-14 advantage in bench scoring. Xavier Tillman Sr. was a bright spot for Memphis in the third quarter.

5:39 left: Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins likes to preach the next play, and the last Nuggets score is why. Xavier Tillman Sr. was called for an offensive foul. While he argued the call, Tillman and David Roddy were caught off guard, and the Nuggets threw an alley-oop to Aaron Gordon. Denver leads 76-68.

6:41 left: Desmond Bane is struggling. He's currently shooting 1-for-11. Without Ja Morant and Luke Kennard, the Grizzlies need his scoring. Jaren Jackson Jr. has stepped it up for Bane. He has 17 points and added his second 3-pointer. Memphis trails 71-66.

Second quarter

Memphis Grizzlies offense comes alive

Halftime: Nuggets 61, Grizzlies 56. Memphis stormed back into the game with a 38-point second quarter.

Jamal Murray leads all scorers with 16 points. Jaren Jackson Jr. has 12 points to lead the Grizzlies, and Marcus Smart has added 11 of his own.

Memphis is shooting 42.2% in the first half. Denver is at 47.9%. Nuggets star Nikola Jokic has scored eight points and is currently shooting 2-for-5. The Grizzlies aren't giving him easy looks.

Ziaire Williams is having a better game as the starting small forward. He has seven points and six rebounds. Two of his three made field goals have been alley-oop dunks.

2:47 left: The Grizzlies have played much better in the second quarter. They're creating turnovers and taking advantage of mismatches. Jaren Jackson Jr. is taking advantage of his quickness against Jokic, and Marcus Smart's 3-point shooting continues to be what Memphis needed. He has made two 3-pointers. Memphis is trailing 51-45, and the shooting percentage is up to 41.5% after a slow start.

1st quarter

End of the first quarter: The Grizzlies struggled to score and now trail 25-18. The Grizzlies did a good job of slowing down two-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Xavier Tillman Sr. had the initial assignment, and Jaren Jackson Jr. often rotated over to provide help. Memphis held the high-powered Nuggets offense to 44% shooting, but the Grizzlies only managed to shoot 28%.

The Memphis Grizzlies continue a difficult start by playing the NBA champion Denver Nuggets on Friday at FedExForum.

Memphis lost 111-104 in the season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans, with the Grizzlies struggling to hit open shots. Denver won its opener against the Lakers on Tuesday.

The Grizzlies will be without Luke Kennard, who is in the concussion protocol after being hit in the face during Wednesday's game. That makes the Grizzlies backcourt depth even thinner as Ja Morant serves his 25-game suspension.

Follow along with the live updates below:

Memphis Grizzlies live score updates vs Denver Nuggets, Nikola Jokic

What channel is Grizzlies vs. Nuggets today?

• TV channel: Bally Sports Southeast

• Stream: Bally Sports app, FUBO (free trial)

Streaming options for the game include FUBO, which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.

MARK GIANNOTTO: On Memphis Grizzlies opening night, it's best to focus on the grand entrance

Grizzlies vs. Nuggets start time

• Date: Friday, Oct. 27

• Time: 6:10 p.m. CT

The Grizzlies face the Denver Nuggets, with tip-off scheduled for 6 p.m. CT Tuesday at FedExForum.

Grizzlies vs. Nuggets betting odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Friday, Oct. 27

• Spread: Nuggets -5.5

• Money line: Pelicans -210, Grizzlies +170

• Over/under total: 221.5 points

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies comeback falls short vs Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets