Utah Jazz, Ace Bailey Spoil Trae Young’s Wizards Debut

At 19 years and 204 days, Ace Bailey became the youngest player in Jazz history to score more than 30 points, setting a career high on 12-of-19 shooting, including 7-of-11 from deep.

His performance against the Wizards resembled his best outings in college, where he topped 30 points three times, including 39 and 37-point outings against Indiana and Northwestern.

Bailey got going early in Washington, scoring 11 points in the first quarter and reaching 21 by halftime.

“This was Ace’s best game as a pro on the offensive side, and a lot of it had to do with three point line,” Jazz coach Will Hardy said. “[He] made a lot of good reads, especially coming off handoffs on the second side and finding those pocket threes and knocking them down tonight. So I was happy for him.”

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that in Ace Bailey’s best offensive night, he largely neglected the mid-range and either knocked down threes or got to the rim.

I think seeing more shot charts like this will be key to his development. pic.twitter.com/B9mqiVZ608

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) March 6, 2026

While Bailey’s 3-point shooting was his most dangerous weapon, he also finished well at the rim, making 4-5 shots in the paint, all within three feet.

“I just want to first give thanks to my teammates for giving the ball in the position they know I can score,” Bailey said.

Because of his slight frame and knack for making tough shots, Bailey still relies heavily on mid-range jumpers. The shot will become useful as he develops, but both he and the Jazz will benefit more if he prioritizes getting to the rim or shooting from three.

When his full offensive game comes together remains unknown, but Thursday’s performance was a reminder of why the wing became such a coveted prospect.

Jazz were smart to avoid skipping steps

Fans focused on lottery odds may be frustrated with the win, but they can take solace in how much brighter the Jazz’s future looks compared with Washington’s.

Trae Young made his long-awaited Wizards debut after being acquired in early January and showed why he drew so little interest on the trade market.

Young is a gifted scorer and playmaker — posting 12 points and six assists in 19 minutes — but he’s a major defensive liability, with the Jazz targeting him repeatedly early in the game.

Anthony Davis, also acquired at the deadline, will help cover some of Young’s weaknesses, but neither player offers consistent winning production at this point in their careers.

TRAE YOUNG’S FIRST CAREER BUCKET AS A WIZARD 🪄 pic.twitter.com/J6MQg0cu9f

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 6, 2026

Young had been linked to the Jazz during the early stages of their rebuild, with Atlanta willing to move the four-time All-Star and Utah searching for a lead guard.

Instead, the Jazz stayed patient, developing Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier over the past two seasons rather than making a short-sighted move for the talented but flawed Young.

George now appears on the brink of stardom, while Collier has become one of the league’s more effective backups.

The Jazz also preserved assets to trade for Jaren Jackson Jr., who has already shown in three games how much he can impact both ends of the floor.

There’s no guarantee Jackson Jr. will deliver the franchise’s first championship, or that George will match Young’s offensive numbers.

But pairing the two with Lauri Markkanen gives Utah a far more dangerous core than what the Wizards project to build.

If Washington strikes lottery gold and drafts its next franchise star, the outlook could change. If not, the Wizards may find themselves starting their next rebuild sooner than expected.