Ace Bailey's 'best game as a pro' helps Jazz to blowout win over Pacers

Ace Bailey's Best Game as a Pro Lifts Jazz Past Pacers

Rookie forward Ace Bailey delivered his strongest performance so far, scoring 20 points on 7-of-13 shooting and collecting four rebounds as the Utah Jazz dominated the Indiana Pacers 152-128 on Tuesday night at the Delta Center.

Breakout Performance

Neither his transition step-back three, pullback triple to begin the second half, nor his tip-in before halftime were what impressed the team the most. The highlight came instead from a single smart pass that showcased Bailey's basketball instincts.

"One of my favorite plays of the game was in the second half. (Ace) ran a ball screen with Lauri (Markkanen). 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," said Jazz coach Will Hardy.

That sharp decision, though seemingly routine, became the signature moment of Bailey's best outing as a professional. His awareness and timing on that assist reflected not just athleticism but growing confidence and understanding of the team’s rhythm.

Team Energy and Reaction

Bailey’s pass to Markkanen, which set up a clean straightaway three-pointer, ignited excitement on the Jazz bench. The play drew an enthusiastic reaction from Hardy and energized teammates while thrilling the home crowd.

"Everybody was hyped," Bailey said with a smile after the win.

The Jazz have taken a patient approach with their No. 5 overall pick, allowing him to gradually adjust to the pace and demands of the NBA. Tuesday night’s game marked a significant step forward in that transition.

Author’s Summary

Ace Bailey’s 20-point showing and sharp court vision fueled Utah’s blowout win, signaling his growth into a confident and capable presence for the Jazz.

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KSL KSL — 2025-11-12

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