Kyle Filipowski: Jazz Draft Potential

« It’s the intensity of the game, with a bit of rivalry between Duke players! », smiles Kyle Filipowski to whom a journalist pointed out that he did not hesitate to push Cooper Flagg during the match. The two former “Blue Devils” were among the main protagonists of this match between Jazz and Mavs.

While the Texan rookie signed a Dantesque match, writing a new page of history thanks to his precocity, the interior of the Jazz behaved in perfect complement to Keyonte George et Lauri Markkanenthe two most prolific local players with 37 and 33 points.

The pivot had regained the starting place in the absence of Jusuf Nurkic and he largely responded. Even if it took a little time to see him get into his game. Author of 7 points in the first period, he struggled to express himself in the third quarter.

Not in the fourth where he was unleashed: a 3-point basket in semi-transition at the head of the racket, a “floater” near the circle, a strong penetration in front of Cooper Flagg from which he got the foul, a new “2+1” under the circle to allow his team to get back in front with a minute to go…

His best match of the year

The 32nd choice of the 2024 Draft was omnipresent and largely contributed to the return of his team to “money time”, until the extension won. “ Flip had an incredible match », Qualifies Will Hardy when seeing his final statistics line: 25 points (9/13 on shots including 2/4 from distance), 9 rebounds for 29 evaluation.

« He takes his time. Things are slowing down for him. He knows where everyone else is, even without looking. And it’s like Keyonte, he continued to work on his game. It’s not surprising. He is strong with the ball and makes decisive actions that we need », greets his evening racket partner, Lauri Markkanen.

In terms of production, the figures are roughly the same as those of last year, with an average of 10 units per evening. With, as during his rookie season, a significant capacity for adaptation because he is regularly mobilized in the five before returning to the bench.

« Every night is different in the NBA, you have to adapt to the style of the moment, to the atmosphere of the evening, and I think that’s what I bring best: the ability to adapt to these different situations, whether playing in position 4 or 5. Being prepared for all that really helps you feel more comfortable “, concludes the 22-year-old.

How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.