John Tonje finally made his debut in the Summer League game after missing his team’s first three games. Wisconsin Badgers fans who awaited his first game should feel satisfied with their former star’s performance.
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Mar 9, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Dylan Harper (2) and Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ace Bailey (4) looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Jersey Mike’s Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Utah Jazz faced off with the San Antonio Spurs in what should have been a battle between Rutgers teammates – no. 5 overall pick Ace Bailey and Spurs no. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper.
However, the former was downgraded to out before the game due to a right hip flexor soreness.
Jazz have downgraded Ace Bailey to out for tonight’s summer league game.
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) July 14, 2025
Harper continued his impressive play for the Spurs with his 16 points and was even clutch in the end game to pull off a 93-91 victory after overtime.
For the Jazz, they may not have Bailey but two players stepped up. First is sophomore Kyle Filipowski who scored 35 points and hauled 11 rebounds. The 2024 32nd overall pick just appears too much for the Summer League right now, wreaking havoc int the last three games.
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Jul 14, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Utah Jazz forward Kyle Filipowski (22) dunks the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
Kyle Filipowski over his last 3 games:
35 PTS – 11 REB – 1 AST
21 PTS – 6 REB – 1 AST
32 PTS – 6 REB – 71% FG
(Via @realapp_ ) pic.twitter.com/CfRHDF4iSl
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 15, 2025
John Tonje was efficient in 1st game
The other player who showed out for the Jazz is Tonje who scored 16 points. He basically took the place of Bailey in the game.
The former Badger missed the first game due to a right ankle sprain. He was not fielded in the next two games either, probably for same reason.
John Tonje, Wisconsin Badgers
Mar 14, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) celebrates a made shot in the second half against the UCLA Bruins against the UCLA Bruins at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
A few @utahjazz rookies won’t be making their debuts tonight:
OUT – RJ Luis Jr. (left knee soreness)
OUT – Cam McGriff (left ankle soreness)
OUT – John Tonje (right ankle sprain)
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) July 5, 2025
He made the most out of his time on the court though. The 53rd overall pick was efficient on the field, going five out of nine, all of them from the three point line.
first (summer) bucket as a Jazzman 🥹#TakeNote | @johntonje1 pic.twitter.com/D5Y7tbrKhN
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) July 15, 2025
John Tonje in his NBA Summer League debut:
16 points (5-9, 4-7 3PT)
3 assists
3 rebounds
1 steal #Badgers pic.twitter.com/PlIg19WYer
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) July 15, 2025
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