Utah Jazz vs Detroit Pistons: Game Recap

After the unfortunate news about the Utah Jazz losing Walker Kessler for the season, the Jazz take another L and fall to the Detroit Pistons with the final score being 103-114. Cade Cunningham led the way for the Pistons with 31 points, 10 assists, and 3 rebounds, while Svi Mykhailiuk attempted to carry the Jazz to a victory, ending with 28 points.

Whether you like tanking or not, it’s what the Jazz have got to do if they want to be great again — and we can start that turnaround as soon as next year. Losing Walker Kessler was very unfortunate, and it was definitely felt tonight against the Detroit Pistons. Jalen Duren was a monster on the glass and in the paint — he ended the game with 22 points and 22 rebounds. Surely Kessler would have made Duren struggle a lot more than he did tonight. However, this loss increases the odds of the Jazz landing a top 5 pick in this year’s LOADED, yes, loaded, NBA draft. If the Utah Jazz succeed at doing so, they would be entering the 2025-2026 season with a healthy Walker Kessler (barring a contract extension), a top 5 pick, Ace Bailey in his 2nd year, anyone we trade for, and likely, Lauri Markkanen. Now, that’s just music to my ears; I genuinely think that the Utah Jazz can start creeping into the playoffs as soon as next season! (I just got chills sent down my spine while writing that).

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Ace Bailey:

Ace Bailey did a few good things tonight, such as grabbing offensive rebounds and taking some good shots, and it might just be me, but I am kind of just waiting for that one breakout game from him — he was the 5th overall pick after all. The ball is not falling for the 19-year-old kid, but eventually it should start finding the net more times than not. Random note, but I was watching Oregon vs Hawaii (college basketball) yesterday, and there’s a kid on Oregon named Kwame Evans Jr who reminded me of Ace Bailey… long story short, it’s likely he won’t be on an NBA roster long if he ever finds his way there. Anyway, I think there is a justifiable question to ask: Is Ace Bailey going to be a defensive Kyle Kuzma, or is he going to be better than that?

Keyonte George:

One thing I did not take into consideration before essentially writing Keyonte George off was his body transformation. At Baylor, Keyonte George was playing a stockier 215lbs because Scott Drew was playing a 3-guard lineup with Flagler & Cryer, slotting Key at the 3. Keyonte didn’t have to put on that weight, but he knew that being 6’4 & 185lbs would not be easy at the 3, so he decided to take on the extra pounds to endure the physicality of a forward. The athleticism had dropped off compared to where he was in HS because of the weight gain, and you could tell — he only had 3 dunks during his season at Baylor, BUT he was finishing around the rim at a fine rate (58.5%). Now, as soon as Keyonte went through his pre-draft process, he had lost a significant amount of weight. He entered his rookie season at 190lbs — a loss of 25lbs. He started his NBA career in a whole new body, THAT’S INSANE. It was reflective in his finishing around the rim. His first 2 years in the NBA, he averaged around 55% at the rim (per dunksandthrees). Throughout this young season, Keyonte George is shooting 77.8% from 0-3 feet (9% of his shot location) and 66.7% from 3-10 feet (32% of his shots), per Basketball Reference. Another great thing about Key is that he is getting to the FT line at a much-improved rate compared to years prior; that is a huge lift to his offensive production and overall impact on that side of the ball.

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With that said, the jumper is still inconsistent, and with how many he takes… it’s just got to get better. The pull-up jumpers and shot in general is something that he’s struggled with for a long time. He was 134th out of 166 players on all pull-up jumpers out of those who took >100 FGA & played >25 games. If he keeps up this tenacity on defense, compared to the previous 2 years, keeps up the willingness to share the ball, and continues his “foul grifting”, then he’s probably a rotation player in the NBA. Starter? IDK, we’ll find out. I won’t tell you which way I lean.

Detroit Pistons:

Quick Hitters:

• Ausar Thompson was very active on both ends of the court. He does everything for the Pistons and could be a respected Swiss Army Knife in the league if the shot ever comes around. He did not attempt 1 three-pointer tonight.

• Cade Cunningham had a rough outing from the field……… UNTIL THE 4TH QUARTER, WHERE HE TURNED INTO MICHAEL JORDAN.

• Ron Holland looked like he can be an interesting rotation piece for Detroit. As he enters his 2nd year in the league, his fit with the Pistons still feels as awkward as it did when he was selected on draft night last year. Could he be a potential trade piece in the near future?

• As said earlier, Jalen Duren was feasting on the Jazz.

Utah Jazz:

• Walter Clayton Jr. is 3rd in potential assists among rookies, so that’s pretty cool. I still love the element he brings to the game. It will be interesting to see what the Jazz do once Isaiah Collier is healthy enough to suit up and play.

• Kyle Filipowski’s sophomore slump continues. Flip shot 1-5 from the floor tonight in 20 minutes. The great thing about Flip is that no matter what, he is going to be a threat on offense due to the fact that he is an excellent passer and can put the ball on the ground. I am a believer in Kyle as an NBA player and expect him to turn it around at some point.

• Svi (I hate spelling his last name) banged out _ on efficient shooting. We are all awaiting the news where Svi has Will Hardy’s family held hostage, because WHY IS HE ON THE FLOOR FOR 30+ MINUTES!!!

• Lauri Markkanen looked like he was frustrated tonight. He had a rough game scoring. He shot

• BRICE SENSABAUGH WAS ON THE FLOOR FOR 7 SECONDS TOTAL. NO INJURIES OR ANYTHING. 7 SECONDS. Frustrating to say the least.

• Kevin Love is old.