On Tuesday, the Utah Jazz and the Utah Mammoth stepped off the court and into the community as part of Smith Entertainment Group’s “Pay It Forward” initiative - and they did it in a big way.
Players, broadcasters, mascots, and staff from both teams fanned out across Salt Lake County, picking up grocery tabs, paying for meals and gas, and even covering the cost of pet adoptions. It was a full-court press of kindness, and nowhere was that more evident than at Best Friends Animal Society in Sugar House.
That’s where Jazz forward Kyle Filipowski spent part of his day - arms full of puppies, heart full of purpose. He came bearing gifts: treats, leashes, toys, and supplies for the shelter animals. SEG took care of the adoption fees, making it easier for families to give these pets a forever home.
Filipowski, who has an 8-year-old German Shepherd waiting for him at home, joked that he was trying to leave the shelter without a new four-legged friend - though it wasn’t for lack of temptation. He took one of the dogs for a walk, then made a beeline for the puppy room, where he scooped up as many as he could hold. After that, it was time to hang out with the kittens.
“It was an incredible opportunity to enjoy my passion and love for dogs and animals and try to do some good in the community,” Filipowski said. “Just show some light on these little guys and help find them homes.”
That kind of impact goes beyond the box score. It’s about showing up - not just for your team, but for your city.
And the work isn’t done yet.
The Salt Lake City Stars, the Jazz’s G League affiliate, are keeping the momentum going. They’ve teamed up with Best Friends to host a pet adoption event during their Dec. 15 game at the Maverik Center. Fans attending the game will be able to adopt a pet right there in the arena - no fees, no red tape, just a chance to bring home a new best friend.
So if you’ve been thinking about adding a furry teammate to your household, or you know someone looking for a little extra joy this holiday season, this is a golden opportunity. A pet gets a home.
A family gets a little more love. And everyone walks away a winner.
Up Next for the Jazz:
- **Dec. 12 | 6 p.m.
MST** | @ Memphis Grizzlies (KJZZ)
- **Dec. 15 | 7 p.m.
MST** | vs. Dallas Mavericks (KJZZ)
- Dec. 18 | 7 p.m. MST | vs.
Los Angeles Lakers (KJZZ)
Around the League:
- The Thunder are quietly building something special - and they’re not slowing down.
- Grizzlies big man Zach Edey will miss a month with an ankle issue.
- The Lakers are brushing off playoff talk, but if they don’t shore up their defense, they might not be around long enough to worry about it.
Stay tuned - and if you’re heading to the Stars game this week, maybe leave a little space in the back seat. You never know who you might be bringing home.