Short-Handed but Not Short on Fight: Jazz Outlast Pacers in Gritty 131-122 Win
In one of the more bizarre matchups of the season, the Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers took the floor Monday night with rosters that looked more like Summer League squads than full-strength NBA lineups. Utah, down to just eight available players due to a blockbuster trade for Jaren Jackson Jr. and a wave of illnesses, still managed to outlast an equally depleted Pacers team - who suited up only seven players - in a 131-122 win.
This wasn’t just a battle of attrition. It was a showcase of young talent, roster depth, and a glimpse into the Jazz’s evolving identity as they look toward a competitive push next season. And while the circumstances were far from ideal, the game offered some valuable insight into why Utah made the moves they did - and what the future could look like.
Why the Jazz Needed Jaren Jackson Jr.
Let’s start with the obvious: the Jazz front office didn’t pull the trigger on a trade for Jaren Jackson Jr. just to make headlines. Monday night’s game made it clear why a versatile, defensive-minded big like Jackson is so valuable. With Jusuf Nurkić sidelined for Indiana, the Pacers had their way inside, feasting on Kyle Filipowski and Lauri Markkanen, who were tasked with holding down the center position for Utah.
It was a tough ask - and a timely reminder of the defensive gap Jackson is being brought in to fill. The Jazz have been leaning into a frontcourt identity for a while now, and Jackson’s ability to anchor the paint while switching on the perimeter is exactly what this roster needs to stabilize its defense. His presence also allows Utah to get creative with lineups, especially as they evaluate potential long-term fits like Walker Kessler, who’s eligible for an extension after the 2025-26 season.
Brice Sensabaugh: A Scorer with a Defined Role
Among the young players who saw extended minutes, Brice Sensabaugh continues to show why he belongs in an NBA rotation. He poured in 20 points, adding 5 assists and a rebound, once again proving that when it comes to putting the ball in the basket, he’s got the tools.
That said, his role is likely to remain as a scoring spark off the bench - somewhere in that 6th to 9th man range. The reason?
Defense. Sensabaugh has struggled on that end of the floor since his college days, and three years into his NBA career, those issues haven’t gone away.
Combine that with some limitations as a passer, and it’s clear that while he may not be a starter-level contributor, he can still be a valuable piece in short bursts - especially on a playoff-hopeful team that needs second-unit scoring.
Kyle Filipowski: A Glimpse of Versatility
Kyle Filipowski had himself a night. The rookie big man dropped a double-double with 16 points and 16 rebounds, along with 5 assists, 3 steals, and a block. That’s not just stuffing the stat sheet - that’s showing a real feel for the game, especially as a passer.
Utah has a history of valuing bigs who can facilitate, from Kelly Olynyk to the Celtics teams Danny Ainge built around versatile frontcourt playmakers like Kevin Garnett and Al Horford. Filipowski fits that mold. He’s not a rim protector, and his turnovers as a passer still need cleaning up, but if he can stretch the floor and make smart reads, there’s a role for him next to either Jackson or Kessler.
The Jazz are clearly leaning into a system where bigs are more than just screen-setters and rebounders - they’re offensive hubs. Filipowski might just have the skill set to thrive in that kind of structure.
Isaiah Collier: Flashing Playmaking Potential
Isaiah Collier’s performance was one of the most eye-catching of the night. The young guard notched a double-double with 17 points and a staggering 22 assists - yes, 22 - while also adding 5 rebounds and 3 steals.
That kind of playmaking doesn’t go unnoticed. Collier’s ability to orchestrate the offense, especially in a game where the Jazz were shorthanded, speaks volumes about his feel for the position.
There are still questions about his shooting and defense, and he tends to dominate the ball more than you’d like from a secondary option. But there’s a world where he becomes Utah’s backup point guard next season - someone who can run the bench unit and unlock small-ball lineups with Jackson at the five.
If he can continue to develop his decision-making and off-ball play, Collier could be a valuable rotational piece moving forward.
Johnny Furphy: A Bright Spot for Indiana
On the Pacers’ side, Johnny Furphy stood out in a tough loss. The 6’8” wing showed off his all-around game - scoring 14 points, grabbing 7 boards, and dishing out 6 assists. He looked comfortable handling the ball, making plays, and moving without it.
For a team that was down to seven players and missing several key contributors, Furphy’s poise and versatility were a silver lining. Indiana may have something in the young Aussie, who continues to prove he belongs on an NBA floor.
What’s Next for the Jazz?
With Jaren Jackson Jr. set to join the lineup soon and the roster expected to stabilize, Jazz basketball is about to enter a new chapter. This team is building toward something - and while the pieces aren’t all in place just yet, games like this offer a glimpse of what could be.
The young guys are getting their reps, the front office is making bold moves, and the vision is starting to take shape. It’s not always going to be pretty, but if Monday night was any indication, it’s going to be a fascinating ride.
Buckle up, Jazz fans. The future’s coming fast.