WASHINGTON – Ace Bailey delivered a career performance Thursday night, scoring a personal-best 32 points with seven three-pointers to lead the Utah Jazz to a 122-112 victory over the Washington Wizards. The win snapped a six-game losing streak for the Jazz and spoiled Trae Young’s home debut with his new team.
The 19-year-old Bailey, the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft, showcased a dynamic offensive display, shooting 12-of-19 from the field. His 32 points mark the highest single-game total by a Jazz player of his age in franchise history, according to team reports. The rookie’s performance came in 33 minutes of play, and included two rebounds and two steals.
The Jazz were without several key starters, including Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen, thrusting Bailey into a more prominent role. He seized the opportunity, demonstrating comfort and confidence as a primary scorer. After the game, Bailey credited his teammates for their support and involvement in his offensive success.
Ace Bailey Shines Against Wizards 🔥
For what was Trae Young’s first ever game as a Wizard on the home floor for his new team, it would be the visiting team in the Jazz that would wind up spoiling the show.
In a night without Keyonte George, Lauri Markkanen, and virtually all of the Jazz’s regular starters outside of Bailey himself, it would be the rookie who took charge of the Jazz’s offensive duties in order to show some nice flashes in a winning effort on the road. pic.twitter.com/fakhtRdwQi— Utah Jazz On SI (@JazzOnSI) March 6, 2026
Young’s Debut Overshadowed
Whereas all eyes were on Trae Young in his first appearance at Capital One Arena as a Wizard, the Jazz rookie stole the show. Young, acquired by Washington in a January trade from Atlanta, played 19 minutes on a minutes restriction due to recent knee and quadriceps injuries, finishing with 12 points and six assists. ESPN reported that the Wizards have now lost seven consecutive games.
Despite Young’s presence, the Wizards struggled to retain pace with the Jazz, trailing by 14 points after the first quarter. A missed breakaway dunk by Washington’s Tre Johnson in the second quarter further highlighted the team’s difficulties. Juju Reese provided a bright spot for the Wizards, recording 18 points and an impressive 20 rebounds, the highest rebound total by any rookie in a game this season. Reese, signed to a two-way contract last week, became Washington’s first rookie with 20 rebounds since Tom Gugliotta in 1993.
Jazz Snap Losing Streak, Wizards Continue to Struggle
The Jazz’s victory marked a significant turnaround, ending a seven-game skid. Bailey’s performance was instrumental in the win, as he scored 21 of his 32 points in the first half. His seven three-pointers surpassed his previous career high of 25 points. Sports Illustrated noted the impact of Bailey’s performance in turning the tide for the Jazz.
The Wizards, currently holding the fourth-worst record in the NBA, face a precarious situation regarding their first-round draft pick. They risk losing their pick if it falls outside the top eight. The game underscored the challenges facing the team as they navigate a rebuilding phase.
Game Statistics
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Utah Jazz | 122 |
| Washington Wizards | 112 |
Looking Ahead
The Utah Jazz will continue their road trip with a Saturday night matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Washington Wizards will travel to New Orleans to face the Pelicans on Sunday. While Bailey’s recent performance is encouraging, his chances of winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award appear increasingly slim. However, he has demonstrated the potential to turn into a key contributor for the Jazz in the years to come.
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