Jazz Outlast 76ers In Ace Bailey Summer League Debut
Jul 5, 2025, 11:09 PM
Ace Bailey #19 of the Utah Jazz is pressured by VJ Edgecombe #77 and Justin Edwards of the Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz bested the Philadelphia 76ers 93-89 on day one of the Salt Lake City Summer League.
Kyle Filipowski scored 22 points to lead the Jazz while Philadelphia’s third overall pick, VJ Edgecombe, led all scorers with 28.
Related: Ace Bailey Scores First Summer League Basket
Jazz Fans Get Full Ace Bailey Experience
Ace Bailey’s first summer league game looked shockingly similar to his performances at Rutgers — impressive physical tools, good rebounding numbers, and some difficult field goal attempts — some very difficult field goal attempts.
Bailey’s talent is undeniable, and even on a similar shot diet in college, the Tennessee native shot 46 percent from the floor and 34 percent from the three-point line.
But in his first summer league outing, he didn’t have the same success.
The rookie finished with eight points, seven rebounds, and one assist, but shot just 3-13 from the floor, including 1-5 from the three-point line.
First of many 🫡
Welcome to the league, Rook! #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/ngPziJa2uh
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) July 6, 2025
“The nice thing about summer league is it doesn’t really matter what the result is,” Jazz coach Scott Morrison said. “It’s more important that they have some things to watch on film tomorrow.”
Bailey’s first bucket came on a tip-in of his own miss, followed by an open three-pointer in the corner, before knocking down a difficult shot in the mid-range over the 76ers’ defense.
The wing was at his best playing off the ball, and letting the offense come to him, rather than forcing the issue with difficult shots.
Ace Bailey reacts to day one in the NBA.
All smiles from the @UtahJazz rookie.#TakeNote | @benshoops pic.twitter.com/43QUfHBAtf
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) July 6, 2025
While the rookie will have to learn to better pick his spots, his teammates will have to make a point to utilize his natural physical gifts.
“Offensively, we can do a little better job, probably getting him involved,” Morrison added.
Despite his first-day struggles, Bailey was all smiles after the game.
“Man, it was great,” Bailey said. “I mean, and we won too, so they made it a plus. It was fun.”
Williams, Filipowski Shine In Second Year
The Jazz got strong outings from both Kyle Filipowski and Cody Williams in their second-year returns.
Filipowski’s offense carried the team in the fourth quarter, including a fun head-to-head battle with fellow 2024 second-round pick Adem Bona.
Bona has a significant edge on Filipowski physically, forcing the Jazz sophomore to recalibrate his game after early struggles.
“He was definitely a good test, a good battle of just me having to think differently,” Filipowski said. “Going up against a different play style than what I’m used to, it really makes me think the game.”
flippin’ out‼️#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/VGVBmlTo12
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) July 6, 2025
Bona finished with 16 points and eight rebounds, but committed eight fouls, while Filipowski recorded 22 points, six rebounds, and five fouls. Both big men shot 8-11 from the floor.
Cody Williams may have been the most pleasant surprise of the night.
After a difficult rookie year, the Colorado product recorded 14 points, five rebounds, and added a block, a steal, and an assist.
“He’s getting stronger,” Morrison said. “He’s getting more confident with it, a little bit more willing to pull the trigger.”
Williams shot 5-12 from the floor, including 2-6 from three, and most importantly, appeared willing to abandon the timid approach that plagued him last season.
Salt Lake City Summer League Schedule
The following game times reflect the Mountain Time Zone.
July 7:
5 p.m.: Oklahoma City Thunder @ Philadelphia 76ers
7 p.m.: Memphis Grizzlies @ Utah Jazz
