Jazz Sensation Ace Bailey Electrifies Summer League with 18 Points and Two Thunderous Dunks in Victory Over Grizzlies…Read More…
The NBA Summer League is often a proving ground for young talent, and on Sunday night, Utah Jazz rookie Ace Bailey made it clear that he didn’t just come to play—he came to dominate.
In a commanding performance that thrilled fans and shook the foundations of the Thomas & Mack Center, Bailey erupted for 18 points, including two explosive, highlight-reel dunks, as he led the Jazz to a 93-85 win over the Memphis Grizzlies in their Summer League opener.
Bailey, the No. 8 overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft, wasted no time showing why the Jazz were so high on him. His combination of poise, athleticism, and versatility lit up the court from the opening tip. With scouts, analysts, and fans watching closely, the 19-year-old forward put on a show that sent a clear message: he’s ready for the big stage.
A Star in the Making
Bailey’s performance wasn’t just about the numbers—it was about how he got them. The 6-foot-9 forward scored efficiently, going 7-of-12 from the field, while also adding 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal in 28 minutes of action. But it was his two monstrous dunks—one in transition and another in traffic—that ignited the arena and left fans on their feet.
The first dunk came midway through the second quarter. After a Grizzlies turnover, Bailey sprinted the length of the court, caught a lob from teammate Keyonte George, and slammed it home with such force that the rim shook for several seconds. The crowd erupted in response.
The second came early in the fourth quarter, with the game still hanging in the balance. Bailey attacked the rim off a pick-and-roll, elevated over two defenders, and threw down a one-handed tomahawk jam that drew gasps and applause from everyone in the building—including a few stunned Grizzlies players.
“That was a statement dunk,” Jazz assistant coach Lamar Skeeter said after the game. “Ace plays with incredible energy, and he’s fearless when attacking the basket. He’s already making a huge impression.”
Jazz’s Rebuilding Hopes Rest on Bailey’s Shoulders
For a Utah Jazz team in the midst of a youth-driven rebuild, Bailey’s emergence is an encouraging sign. The franchise has spent the last two seasons reshaping its roster with an eye toward the future. After trading away veterans and loading up on young talent, the Jazz are looking for a player who can become their new cornerstone.
Bailey may be just that.
“He’s not just a dunker or a highlight guy,” Skeeter continued. “He reads the game well, plays defense, moves without the ball, and he’s already meshing well with the other guys. There’s still a lot of work to do, but his ceiling is incredibly high.”
Teammates and Opponents Take Notice
Bailey’s teammates were quick to praise his breakout performance.
“Man, Ace is different,” said Jazz guard Ochai Agbaji, who suited up in the game to mentor the younger players. “He’s got that swagger, that killer instinct. He’s humble, but when he’s on the floor, he turns into a beast.”
Even Grizzlies Summer League head coach Blake Ahearn acknowledged Bailey’s performance after the game.
“You tip your hat to him,” Ahearn said. “We had some breakdowns defensively, but that kid can fly. He’s got a great motor and instincts. He hurt us tonight, no doubt about it.”
The Grizzlies, led by second-year guard GG Jackson’s 20 points and 7 rebounds, fought hard to keep pace. But they had no answer for Bailey’s size, athleticism, and intensity. Each time Memphis tried to rally, Bailey responded—whether it was with a pull-up jumper, a defensive stop, or an electric finish at the rim.
What’s Next for Bailey?
While it’s too early to draw definitive conclusions from one Summer League game, Bailey’s performance is exactly what Jazz fans hoped for when he was drafted out of Rutgers. Known for his dynamic slashing, high IQ, and ability to defend multiple positions, Bailey is rapidly making his case for a rotation spot when the regular season tips off in October.
The Jazz will play their next Summer League game on Tuesday against the Detroit Pistons. All eyes will be on Bailey to see if he can replicate or even build on Sunday’s performance.
“Every game is another opportunity to grow,” Bailey said in the post-game press conference. “I’m just here to learn, to compete, and to help this team win. The dunks are fun—but I want to impact the game in every way I can.”
A Glimpse of the Future
For a team that’s spent the last few seasons searching for its next superstar, Ace Bailey may very well be the answer. His debut performance wasn’t just a spark—it was a flare shot into the sky, signaling the arrival of a new era in Salt Lake City.
And if Sunday night is any indication, Bailey isn’t just ready for the spotlight—he’s ready to own it.
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