Ace Bailey Shines in First Start for Utah Jazz
Anthony Edwards made sure Ace Bailey realized the impact of his moment. Late in Minnesota's 120-113 victory over the Jazz on Monday, Bailey drove along the baseline, evaded Edwards, and delivered a powerful reverse dunk.
After the game, Edwards confronted Bailey about the play.
"He asked if I dunked on him," Bailey said with a smile. "I said, 'Was that you?' I didn't know. I just went up."
This dunk capped off an important night for the 19-year-old wing, who was starting for Utah for the first time.
Coach's Perspective
"I thought Ace did great," Jazz coach Will Hardy said. "For the most part, he played within the system offensively, and his burst and athleticism are very evident, not just off the dribble, but cutting, crashing the glass. He gives us a really good lift."
Preparation for the Start
Bailey learned about his promotion to the starting lineup during practice on Sunday and immediately sought to prepare thoroughly.
- Asked questions to avoid making mistakes.
- Sought advice from Keyonte George about specific plays and sets.
- Encouraged teammates to challenge him to improve.
He even inquired about plays while getting taped before the game, showing his determination to perform at his best.
Summary: Ace Bailey's impressive debut as a Utah Jazz starter demonstrated his athleticism, preparation, and commitment, earning praise from teammates and coaches alike.