Ace Bailey’s Breakout Game Leads Jazz to Big Win Over Pacers
The rookie wing Ace Bailey delivered his best performance of the season, scoring 20 points on 7-of-13 shooting and grabbing four rebounds as the Utah Jazz dominated the Indiana Pacers 152-128 at the Delta Center.
Key Moments and Impactful Play
Bailey’s scoring highlights included a transition step-back 3-pointer, a pullback three early in the second half, and a tip-in before halftime. Yet, what stood out most to the Jazz was a crucial pass.
“One of my favorite plays of the game was in the second half. (Ace) ran a ball screen with Lauri (Markkanen),” said Jazz coach Will Hardy. “Ace made the read, threw it over the top, used his length and his size, and passed the ball over the top … and Lauri had a catch and shoot.”
This sharp playmaking illustrated why Bailey called it his “best game as a pro.” The pass resulted in a straightaway three-pointer that energized the Jazz bench and earned enthusiastic applause from Hardy.
Team and Fan Reaction
Bailey reflected on the moment with a smile: “Everybody was hyped” following the connection with Markkanen. His overall scoring contributed greatly to the home crowd’s excitement.
Season Context
The Jazz have taken a patient approach with their No. 5 draft pick, allowing the rookie to gradually adjust to the NBA’s pace and pressure, which showed in his confident play during this game.
Summary: Ace Bailey’s impressive scoring and smart passing fueled the Jazz’s decisive victory, highlighting his steady progress as a rookie and energizing his team.