The Utah Jazz faced a heavy defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder, with a final score of 101-131. However, amidst the loss, second-year big man Kyle Filipowski showcased significant potential during the game.
With Lauri Markkanen sidelined due to injury, Filipowski stepped into the starting lineup and delivered a standout performance, leading the Jazz with 21 points on an impressive 10-of-14 shooting. He also contributed with 10 rebounds, two assists, and three steals, illustrating his growth this season.
Jazz coach Will Hardy praised Filipowski’s overall skill set, emphasizing that while he has demonstrated the ability to shoot from beyond the arc, his true impact lies in his versatility as a scorer. Hardy noted that before entering the NBA, Filipowski was primarily a low-post player known for his skilled footwork and ability to finish near the basket. “I think the three-point line can ruin people, and not just help them improve,” said Hardy, highlighting the importance of not letting long-range shooting overshadow other dimensions of a player’s game.
Filipowski’s ability to stretch the floor adds versatility to the Jazz’s offensive strategy, and Hardy cautiously encourages him to shoot threes while ensuring it doesn’t define his playing style. “I obviously want Flip to shoot some threes, because he’s worked really hard at it, but I don’t want that to become his identity,” he explained. Following his performance against the Thunder, Hardy pointed out that Filipowski’s physicality could prove advantageous, particularly when facing tough defenses.
So far in the season, Filipowski has proven to be a valuable contributor whether starting or coming off the bench, affirming his worthiness of being a day two draft pick in the summer of 2024. As he continues to develop his offensive versatility and maintains his role as both a scorer and playmaker, Filipowski will likely secure a consistent spot in the Jazz’s rotation as they navigate the remainder of the season.
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