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Youth took center stage Thursday night when the Jazz met the Pelicans at the Delta Center, with four of the five Jazz starters aged 22 or younger. With multiple key players out of the lineup due to injury or season ending surgery, the game also provided second unit and bench players with extended minutes as they try to make their case for a roster spot next season. The Jazz fell to the Pelicans 129-118, due mainly to a disastrous second quarter and a stellar performance from Saddiq Bey, who finished with 42 points. It will be interesting to see what adjustments the coaching staff and players make when the two teams meet again tomorrow night.
Ace Bailey – A-
Ace bounced back from a difficult game against the Rockets with a career best 14 points in the first quarter. He made his mid-range jumper look easy as he curled off screens to get to his spot. He ended up with 23 points in 29 minutes and added 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and a block. His challenge is consistent scoring throughout the game. His production tailed off significantly in the second quarter as the Pelicans’ defense tightened.
Cody Williams – C-
Cody had the highlight of the night with a ferocious hammer dunk in the first quarter. But it was a tough night for the second year man, scoring only 6 points in 30 minutes and being outmuscled by Zion Williamson and Bey in the paint. He struggled from the free throw line (2-5) and at times tried to fight his way to the basket, instead of drawing the defense in and then kicking out to an open teammate.
Isaiah Collier – B-
One thing other teams are learning is that Isaiah is fast, really fast. And when he gets in the lane, he is like a bowling ball, bullying his way to the basket. He dished out 7 assists, including a cross court bullet to Brice Sensabaugh for 3. But his speed at times last night led to some questionable decisions and turnovers, and there were instances when he settled for a tough isolation possession instead of keeping the ball moving.
Kyle Filipowski – B-
Asked to play center again, Kyle is getting good at adapting his play to different positions. He is showing less hesitation driving to the basket and showed a variety of shot making skills, including a Dirk Nowitzki-like one-footed jumper. His screens opened up the floor for his teammates, with Ace Bailey being one of the main beneficiaries. Turnovers continue to be an area for improvement. He tied a team high with 4.
John Konchar – B+
The senior member of the starting five was ice cold from 3, missing all three of his attempts, but found other ways to impact the game, especially on the defensive end. He had a team high 5 steals, had 2 blocks, including one on Zion Williamson, and created extra possessions with 4 offensive rebounds.
Brice Sensabaugh – B-
Brice didn’t see action until the second quarter and it took a while for him to warm up. The Jazz really could have used his shot-making ability in that quarter, when they were outscored 41-23. He ended up with 20 points and was 3-8 from three, most of his output coming when the game was already out of reach. He did have some bright spots in other areas of his game: as a facilitator, unselfishly passing up a good short to find Svi Mykhailiuk for a better shot in the third quarter; and on defense, taking a charge to stop a Pelicans possession.
Elijah Harkless – A
With Keyonte George out, Elijah shared the point guard duties with Isaiah Collier and looked very comfortable bringing the ball up the court. He also showed his relentless defensive intensity, netting 4 steals and a block. Even when he made a mistake, he didn’t give up on the play, stealing the ball, then losing it, then stealing it right back in the second quarter. It’s unclear if Elijah has a future with the Jazz, but wherever he ends up his fire and competitiveness will be definite assets.
Oscar Tshiebwe – A
Oscar made the most of his 10 minutes on the court, scoring 8 points on 4-4 shooting and grabbing 2 offensive rebounds. It would be great to see him get some extended minutes in this final stretch of the season to see if he can reproduce some of his impressive output in the G League at the next level. He certainly looked the part tonight.
Blake Hinson – C-
A rough night for the sharpshooter, which is a shame as Blake was the first player off the bench and had the chance to make an impact early in the game. He managed only 2 points, going 0-4 from three.
Kevin Love – A-
What a luxury for Will Hardy, having a player-coach with NBA championship experience. Kevin had extended minutes tonight and showcased his ability to bring calmness and leadership to the game, set up his teammates with good looks and do the dirty work on both sides of the ball. He dished out some great dimes in the third quarter, including a full court pass to Isaiah for a dunk. He showed his strength and veteran savvy completing a one handed shot with the foul. His three turnovers to start the fourth quarter were unfortunate and can likely be put down to fatigue.
Svi Mikhailiuk – A
Svi has proved time and time again that he is always ready to play: as a starter, coming off the bench, in limited minutes, it doesn’t matter. He had an efficient 15 minutes last night, providing a spark when the Jazz needed it, scoring 14 points, including 4-7 from three, grabbing 2 offensive rebounds and doling out 3 assists.