The Houston Rockets beat the Utah Jazz in a preseason matchup on October 8th, 140-127. As with most preseason games, the final score didn’t really matter.
Kevin Durant posted an efficient 20 points in his Rockets’ debut, and Amen Thompson had a solid all-around game. However, it was Jazz rookie Ace Bailey who had the best night, scoring 25 points to go with six rebounds, two steals, and a block.
Early in the second quarter, Bailey fouled Durant on a jumpshot, and the two were seen going back and forth as KD took his free throws.
Kevin Durant Praises Ace Bailey
Bailey’s foul on Durant wasn’t a hard one, and the trash talk didn’t seem malicious. Of course, Bailey may have been starstruck during the interaction.
After the game, Durant made it clear that there’s no bad blood between him and the rookie.
“Dynamic player,” praised Durant. “I think he’s going to be a hell of a player. I love the coaching staff that he’s with.”
Before being drafted, Bailey made it known that he wanted to be picked by the Washington Wizards. Utah clearly didn’t care, and he has quickly become a centerpiece of their rebuild. Durant thinks he couldn’t have ended up in a better situation.
“I love that he got drafted to Utah,” he continued. “He got a good developmental program over there that I’m looking forward to seeing how he progresses. So I’m expecting a big year from him and a big career from him and tonight he showed what he could do.”
Jazz fans, rejoice! Head coach Will Hardy is yet to be given a winning roster. Their shortcomings in recent years are entirely by design, although it sounds like Bailey can get them in the right direction.
For Bailey, getting praised by Durant after an excellent outing is extra special.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 08: Ace Bailey #19 of the Utah Jazz shoots the ball against the Houston Rockets during the second half of a preseason game at Toyota Center on October 08, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Ace Bailey Idolizes Kevin Durant
Before being drafted, Bailey himself announced that he saw himself as the second coming of Paul George, Jayson Tatum, and Kevin Durant.
“He’s my idol and my favorite player of all time,” Bailey said in December of Durant. “KD is just one of those top players. I watched film on him just to study his game, see how he moves, how he can make his own shot.”
With one preseason game under his belt, that looks to be a realistic comparison, already.
Bailey was picked fifth overall, but his ceiling is the second-best player in the draft class, behind Cooper Flagg. However, he is very, very raw, and there is no guarantee that he will ever live up to the hype. After his first game, however, he seems to be well on his way.
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