Ace Bailey Shines Early With Utah Jazz
Ace Bailey is off to an impressive start in Salt Lake City, showing he belongs on the NBA stage. In the Utah Jazz’s 112-111 win over the Memphis Grizzlies in the Utah Summer League, Bailey scored 18 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and dished out three assists. He made an immediate impact with 12 points in the first half on 5-of – 9 shooting, including a highlight-reel lob dunk from Isaiah Collier. Bailey’s performance confirms that despite a rocky draft process, he’s ready to contribute at a high level.
Bailey’s Explosive Play Highlights The Game
Bailey electrified the crowd with multiple dunks, including a third-quarter slam after a rebound. His energy helped spark a crucial 13-3 run early in the fourth quarter, capped by a three-pointer from Bailey that gave the Jazz the lead they would hold onto. This run was pivotal in edging out the Grizzlies by one point and improving Utah’s Summer League record to 2-
0. Bailey’s dynamism on the court demonstrates his ability to be a playmaker and energizer for the Jazz lineup.
Teammates Filipowski And Sensabaugh Also Dominate
While Bailey turned heads, teammate Kyle Filipowski threw down the dunk of the night with a ferocious one-handed jam over Memphis’s GG Jackson. Brice Sensabaugh led the Jazz with a dominating 37 points, hitting six 3-pointers and shooting 9-of – 14 from the field. Sensabaugh’s clutch steal in the final seconds helped seal the victory. This trio’s strong showing signals an exciting future for the Jazz’s young core in the 2025 season.
Grizzlies Put Up A Fierce Fight
The Memphis Grizzlies were no pushovers. GG Jackson led the charge with 27 points and five rebounds, nearly sending the game into overtime with a buzzer-beater that was just inside the 3-point line. Jaylen Wells and Cam Spencer each added 23 points, with Spencer drilling seven 3-pointers on 7-of – 10 shooting. Despite the loss, Memphis showed depth and sharpshooting that kept the game tight until the very end.
Bailey Overcame Draft Drama To Start Strong
Bailey’s journey to this moment was far from smooth. Once projected as the No. 3 overall pick, he declined to work out for any teams besides attending the scouting combine, making him the only American prospect to do so this draft cycle. The Jazz selected him fifth overall despite this unusual approach. After initial awkwardness, Bailey reported to Utah and denied any issues with the franchise, stating he was “just blessed to be in this position.” His Summer League performance proves that he has put the distractions behind him and is focused on making an impact.
Bailey’s Confidence Growing Game By Game
In his second Summer League game, Bailey described his mindset as simply “confidence” and said he stopped overthinking his game. After getting a taste of his first NBA-level competition, he’s now playing freely and showing flashes of his true potential. Bailey’s self-assurance and skill set could make him a key contributor for the Jazz as the 2025 season approaches, turning a draft-day underdog story into an early success tale.
