February 3rd, 2026 offered a fascinating piece of juxtaposition for Jazz fans. In the morning, we get as exhilarating a deal as could’ve been whipped up on the trade machine, promising high aspirations
and higher stakes starting in 2026-2027. In the evening, a contest between two organizations battling to have the lowest aspirations of the night. A basketball game is not the story of the day for a basketball team.
Still, perhaps there are things we can learn about the future of the Jazz, even with most of that future sitting cozily on the bench or somewhere in Memphis, Tennessee. Presumably to the dismay of Darryn Peterson, who I can only imagine is counting down the days before he can run a Horns Screen and Roll with Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr., the Jazz came away with a win against an extremely short handed Indiana Pacers team, ending with a final score of 131-122.
Grading this game shouldn’t be a difficult exercise – due to the loss of 3 rotation players in the headline-stealing trade with Memphis, and illness or injury hindering 2 starters, the Jazz stuck with a tight rotation of 7 players, their lowest number this season. How much stock should we put into a game with so many unique circumstances? Probably not much, but there are some players who deserve praise nonetheless.
Ace Bailey – A
This was a wonderful showcase of all of the little skills that make Ace so fascinating. Great flexibility on drives, good use of athleticism on defense, quick trigger on threes, and, as we have come to expect each game, a sensational dunk. My favorite part? 6 free throw attempts – that’s as many as he shot in all of January combined. Good to see the aggression, which I expect to see more of as his frame fills out and he comes to understand all the possibilities his off-ball role offers to him.
Isaiah Collier – A+
Did he play the perfect game, forever silencing the doubts many have over a ball dominant guard who can’t really shoot? No, but anything less than an A+ for the player who set the 2026 NBA single game assist record would feel needlessly stingy. The passes weren’t flashy this game; mainly pocket passes, a few easy corner feeds on drives, quick hit-aheads in transition. But they were oh-so effective. He felt more in control of the team this game than I can remember seeing in any previous outing. 48 minutes as well – what a trouper.
Kyle Filipowski – A-
I hope not to be accused of grade inflation, but there were no weak links in this Jazz win, Kyle Filipowski included. It felt like he knew that he needed to play like a true center today, and he did not disappoint. By my money, his agility on pick and rolls, timely passes and rebounding dominance made him the best player on the court in the first half. The relative physical weakness and short wingspan compared to other centers were a bit more noticeable in the second, getting beat at the rim a few times, but this was a forceful performance from the sophomore. If he can keep up this rebounding, I love the synergy a frontcourt duo with JJJ would bring.
Lauri Markkanen – A-
Today, it felt like Markkanen was happy to let the kids do most of the work. In his 27 minutes (less than all the youngsters), Markkanen was really able to get to his spots at will – the Pacers didn’t have the defensive personnel to stop the strong veteran. But, outside for a killer stretch in the 3rd, he let the game come to him, to the tune of an efficient 27 points.
Svi Mykhailiuk – B+
Just another day in the office for Svi. I consistently appreciate his style of play. He provides spacing and a movement shooting threat for the kids, allowing them to play their style of ball, but he never steps on their toes. He’ll shoot his shots, play average defense, fight for some rebounds, and generally create an atmosphere where the young guys can grow. An efficient 18 points may get him a higher grade most nights, but I feel the need to curve his performance relative to the team. No disrespect to Svi intended.
Brice Sensabaugh – A-
The underwhelming defense almost got me to the B+ range, but what Brice showed with his passing was really exceptional. I remember when I first heard of Brice Sensabaugh. Before he ever suited up for Ohio State, I saw his high school mixtape, displaying plenty of creative and accurate passes. Clearly, that isn’t the skillset Brice has focused most of his developmental points on, but it was really exciting to see some of those flashes today, especially mixed with the gravity his scoring provides. With how the roster is shaping up next year, his passing growth could be a key attribute to monitor.
Cody Williams – B
While there were stretches when Cody was a little too invisible for my liking (understandable considering the heavy minuteload he shouldered), he consistently found himself in the right place at the right time. Stonewalling a couple drives in the first half, a few pretty passes in the second – there’s something every game that just won’t let you quit on Cody. While this game isn’t the most rigorous proving ground, due to players sitting out and the shock a big trade has on a young team, I’m sure 40 minutes of gametime where Cody could try new things was very much appreciated.
Keyonte George – A+
I hope his ankle doesn’t get too sore from standing up the whole game. He was the most engaged of any fan in the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. My personal favorite moment was a bit of ribbing in Cody’s direction when he opted for a lay-in in transition opposed to a dunk. Keyonte, once again, seems like he’d be very fun to have on your team.
