October 13, 2025 | Salt Lake City, Utah – The preseason may not count in the standings, but for basketball fans, Monday night’s clash between the Utah Jazz and Dallas Mavericks was more than an exhibition — it was a preview of the NBA’s future. In a matchup headlined by rookies Ace Bailey and Cooper Flagg, two early favorites in the 2025–26 Rookie of the Year race, the Jazz claimed a 114–101 victory in front of an energetic crowd at Delta Center.

Bailey dazzled again for Utah, showcasing his scoring touch and athleticism in transition, while Flagg flashed his defensive instincts and versatility despite Dallas’ struggles to find rhythm. Both rookies gave glimpses of why they’ve been touted as generational prospects — one playing with star swagger, the other with composed maturity.

Bailey Steals the Spotlight

If there was any doubt about Ace Bailey’s NBA readiness, he erased it against Dallas. The No. 3 overall pick finished with 24 points, six rebounds, and four assists, hitting from all three levels and electrifying the Utah crowd with a pair of highlight-reel dunks.

From the opening tip, Bailey looked in command — attacking closeouts, creating shots off the dribble, and showing a veteran’s feel in the pick-and-roll. His growing chemistry with Keyonte George continues to anchor Utah’s youthful offense, which looked polished for a preseason unit.

“Bailey has that rare ability to control the game without forcing it,” said Jazz head coach Will Hardy. “He’s efficient, confident, and the guys already trust him with the ball in key moments. That’s special for a rookie.”

Utah’s balanced attack helped, with Walker Kessler controlling the paint defensively and Jordan Clarkson adding 18 points off the bench. But the energy in the building centered around Bailey — a 6-foot-9 wing whose combination of athleticism and poise has Jazz fans envisioning a franchise cornerstone.

Flagg Shows Poise in Defeat

While Bailey’s performance grabbed headlines, Cooper Flagg once again demonstrated his value as a complete basketball player. The No. 1 overall pick logged 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 21 minutes — a stat line that spoke to his all-around impact more than any single highlight.

Flagg’s shot from deep remains a work in progress, but his defensive presence stood out. He disrupted passing lanes, fought through screens, and contested shots across multiple positions. On offense, he displayed high-level court vision and unselfishness, often making the extra pass to set up teammates like PJ Washington and Max Christie.

“Cooper’s the kind of player who raises your floor,” said Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd. “He’s already one of our better defenders, and once his confidence on offense catches up, he’s going to be a problem for this league.”

Kidd’s decision to start Flagg at point guard for stretches drew mixed reactions, but it allowed the rookie to showcase his versatility and handle in half-court sets. While Dallas ultimately came up short, the preseason is clearly serving as a valuable learning lab for Flagg’s early development.

Mavericks Struggle to Find Offensive Flow

Beyond Flagg’s promising moments, the Mavericks showed flashes of chemistry but lacked consistency. Klay Thompson led Dallas with 14 points, while Anthony Davis added 12 points and six rebounds in limited minutes. However, turnovers (16) and defensive lapses allowed Utah to control the tempo for much of the night.

Dallas briefly cut the deficit to six in the third quarter after back-to-back threes from Thompson and Rui Hachimura, but Bailey’s relentless drives and Clarkson’s shot-making kept Utah comfortably ahead.

The Mavericks’ offense still appears to be finding its identity post–Luka Dončić, with Kidd experimenting heavily in lineups that mix veterans with youth.

What We Learned

Though the final score reads Utah 114, Dallas 101, the night was less about the result and more about the potential on display. Bailey continues to look like a future All-Star, while Flagg’s polish and defensive intensity point toward long-term greatness.

Both teams left the floor with plenty to build on — Utah’s offensive balance and confidence contrasted with Dallas’ ongoing search for rhythm, but each rookie’s trajectory suggests this won’t be the last meaningful matchup between them.

“This is just the beginning,” Bailey said postgame. “Cooper’s a great player. We’re both trying to make our mark. Nights like this — it’s why we play.”

If Monday’s preseason clash was any indication, the NBA’s next generation has already arrived — and the rivalry between Ace Bailey and Cooper Flagg might just define it.