March 24, 2026, 1:51 p.m. ET
Utah Jazz rookie Ace Bailey continued a hot month of March on the court, registering another 30-point performance in a loss against the Toronto Raptors.
Bailey produced a career-high 37 points, six rebounds, three assists and two blocked shots in the 143-127 loss at the Delta Center. He finished by shooting 11-of-21 from the field, including seven 3-pointers, in 35 minutes, 11 seconds of action.
The fifth overall pick tallied 19 points in the second half alone to lead the Jazz down the stretch. He stayed aggressive throughout the game, going a perfect 8-of-8 from the free-throw line, which was his second straight game with as many attempts.
“If you look at really any of the top scorers in the NBA, the free-throw line is a big part of it,” Jazz coach Will Hardy said. “I think he is recognizing when he just has to play through the contact when you have the angle on the defender and the rules are on your side. … Ace has studied a lot of film this year, he has worked really hard on a variety of aspects of his game offensively, but it is great to see him get eight free throws; he had eight last game, as well. It is a good sign.”
Bailey is averaging 13.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists while shooting 36.3% from 3-point range in 63 appearances, including 52 starts. He is fourth in scoring among rookies and one of four first-year players with three 30-point games, which have all come in March.
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The 19-year-old is in the conversation to win Western Conference Rookie of the Month after leading all first-year players in scoring in March. He has scored 25 or more points in three straight games, becoming the fifth-youngest player in history to do so.
Bailey is finishing off the season on an offensive tear, with 10 games left to play. He is emerging as one of the top rookies behind his recent run and appears to have a bright future ahead.