Lauri Markkanen scored a game-high 35 points and rookie Ace Bailey added 20 as the Utah Jazz (4-7) erupted for a season-high 152 points in a 152-128 victory over the Indiana Pacers (1-10) at Delta Center on Wednesday night. Svi Mykhailiuk contributed 20 points to help the Jazz dominate offensively.
Bailey, the No. 5 pick in this year’s draft, displayed his full scoring arsenal in just his second start, including dunks, midrange jumpers, and 3-pointers. Isaiah Collier facilitated the offense with 11 assists as Utah moved the ball efficiently.
Indiana started the game strong, scoring the first 10 points, but the Pacers could not contain the Jazz’s firepower. Utah scored 38 points in the first quarter and took a lead they never relinquished.
Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 27 points, while Aaron Nesmith added 17 in a return from injury. T.J. McConnell made his season debut, scoring 12 points in limited minutes as he recovers from a hamstring injury.
The Jazz outrebounded the Pacers 45-35 and forced multiple turnovers despite playing on the second night of a back-to-back. Indiana shot a season-best 46.5% but allowed Utah to connect on 55.4% of their shots.
Utah’s offensive efficiency was evident throughout, as the Jazz constantly attacked the rim and created open looks for shooters. Rick Carlisle’s use of timeouts could not slow the Jazz’s pace or momentum.
The Jazz will host the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, while the Pacers travel to face the Phoenix Suns. Utah’s 152-point output is the highest single-game total in the NBA this season.
