Rookie Ace Bailey's 33 points lead Jazz to win over Bucks

Utah snaps four-game skid with convincing victory over struggling Milwaukee

Mar. 20, 2026 at 9:35am

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Rookie Ace Bailey scored a season-high 33 points and matched his career-best with seven 3-pointers to lead the Utah Jazz to a 128-96 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night. Elijah Harkless added 23 points and 10 assists, while Cody Williams also had 23 points as the Jazz snapped a four-game losing streak. The Bucks were without two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo due to a knee injury, and lost for the 10th time in their last 12 games.

Why it matters

The Jazz have struggled mightily this season, but this win over the Bucks could provide a much-needed boost of confidence as they look to finish the year on a high note. For Milwaukee, the loss continues their recent slide and raises concerns about their ability to stay in the playoff race without their superstar Antetokounmpo.

The details

Bailey's 33 points and seven 3-pointers led the way for the Jazz, who shot 53.9% from the field and 18-of-48 from beyond the arc as a team. Harkless and Williams also had big games, with Harkless recording a double-double. The Bucks, meanwhile, shot just 40.5% from the field and 15-of-44 from 3-point range. Milwaukee trailed by 20 at halftime but cut the deficit to 11 in the third quarter before Utah pulled away for the blowout win.

  • The game was played on Thursday, March 20, 2026.

The players

Ace Bailey

A rookie for the Utah Jazz who scored a season-high 33 points and made a career-best seven 3-pointers in the win.

Elijah Harkless

A Jazz player who recorded career highs of 23 points and 10 assists in the victory.

Cody Williams

A Jazz player who also scored 23 points in the win over the Bucks.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The two-time MVP of the Milwaukee Bucks who sat out the game due to a hyperextended left knee.

Ryan Rollins

A Bucks player who scored 15 points off the bench in the losing effort.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This game showcases the potential of the Jazz's young core, led by the impressive performance of rookie Ace Bailey. While the Bucks continue to struggle without their superstar Antetokounmpo, the Jazz were able to capitalize and snap their own losing streak, providing a much-needed boost as they look to finish the season on a high note.