The Utah Jazz faced another defeat, marking their third consecutive loss, as they succumbed to the Minnesota Timberwolves 120-113. Despite this setback, rookie Ace Bailey made an impressive debut in his first career start. Keyonte George led the Jazz in scoring with 27 points, while Anthony Edwards topped the Timberwolves with 35 points.
Ace Bailey’s First Start
Due to a series of injuries, Ace Bailey, the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, was thrust into the starting lineup. Initially struggling, he missed his first three attempts but rallied in the second half. Bailey finished the game with 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and three steals, playing a career-high 28 minutes.
Jazz head coach Will Hardy praised Bailey’s performance. He noted, “I thought Ace did great. His burst and athleticism are very evident. He gives us a really good lift.” Bailey showcased his skills with significant plays in the fourth quarter, including a stylish fade-away jumper and a reverse dunk.
Bailey expressed confidence in his performance: “I feel like I played to my full capability. I went out there, played hard, and fought for rebounds.” His rebounding was particularly valuable, securing seven boards, four of which were offensive, helping create second-chance opportunities.
Struggles with Three-Point Shooting
Heading into the game against the Timberwolves, the Jazz struggled significantly with their three-point shooting. They ranked among the league’s worst in this category, with a shooting percentage that had dropped sharply during recent matches. Although they attempted the 12th-most three-pointers in the league, their success rate was among the lowest.
- Jazz three-point attempt rank: 12th
- Jazz three-point success rate rank: 9th lowest
- Three-point shooting percentage during the five-game road trip: below 30% for several key players
Coach Hardy suggested that the team has shown flashes of generating good scoring opportunities but has struggled to convert. He acknowledged the need for better pressure in the paint and improved shot selection.
Impact of Injuries on the Jazz
The Jazz’s situation worsened leading up to the game as key players Kyle Anderson and Taylor Hendricks were declared inactive due to injuries. Anderson was dealing with lower back soreness, while Hendricks had a hamstring issue. Both players had significant roles within the team, particularly in the frontcourt.
With Walker Kessler also sidelined for the season, the Jazz faced challenges in maintaining their scoring efficiency. Kyle Filipowski stepped up, transitioning from power forward to center but could only manage seven points while leading the team in plus-minus at +14.
Upcoming Games
Looking ahead, the Jazz are set to host the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday at 7 p.m. MST. Fans will be eager to see if Bailey continues his starting role in light of the team’s ongoing struggles.
The game will be available for viewing on KJZZ and streaming on Jazz+. For live updates and more, supporters can follow El-Balad.
