Brice Sensabaugh #28 of the Utah Jazz (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Brice Sensabaugh's development continues to show promising strides for the Utah Jazz, with his offensive game expanding beyond his natural scoring ability.
In Saturday night's 114-111 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, Sensabaugh scored a season-high 20 points, hitting 3 of 5 from beyond the arc and converting all five of his free throw attempts. Despite the Jazz coming up short against a 64-point effort from Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, Sensabaugh’s contributions stood out.
“My favorite part of the game was the lob that he threw to Walker [Kessler], because I don’t worry about Brice making shots,” Jazz head coach Will Hardy said. “He has shown me, us, you guys, time and time again, that he can make shots.”
Sensabaugh’s growing playmaking ability was displayed as he dribbled around a screen, held his defender on his back, and found Kessler rolling to the rim. It was a glimpse into a developing skillset that the Jazz coaching staff hopes to see more consistently.
Becoming More Complete
In his second season, Sensabaugh has averaged 7.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists across 26 games. His ability to score at all three levels has been evident. The next step in his progression is becoming a more complete offensive threat by incorporating playmaking into his arsenal.
“I think I've done a decent job focusing on what I need to get myself in the rotation and get valuable minutes,” Sensabaugh told RG. “But obviously, translating it into wins is the most important for me because winning is the name of the game. I just want to continue getting better, focus on the details with all these guys, take the right shots, make the right reads, and keep the game simple.”
Hardy has emphasized Sensabaugh's importance in slowing the game down and reading defenses. His offensive evolution has been shaped by adapting to playing alongside other talented scorers.
“I think it's about taking the load off the other guys by being in the right spots and being ready to shoot if I get the ball,”
Sensabaugh said. “Maybe I can make a scoring read or use my scoring instincts, but it's about making the right plays and keeping it simple.”
Sensabaugh also noted adjustments he has made to his shot selection since entering the NBA.
Blossoming At the Right Time
Defensively, Sensabaugh acknowledged the learning curve of transitioning to the NBA.
“The games come fast, and it's all the best players in the world, so you really have to lock into the details,” Sensabaugh told RG. “Taking time to watch film with the coaches and preparing ahead of games is important. You play teams multiple times, so you adjust. Doing your work early on defense and being in the right spot helps you avoid playing from behind.”
Hardy has praised Sensabaugh for his dedication to improvement, crediting his ability to take coaching well and apply feedback.
“He's put a lot of work in,” Hardy said.
“And it's always good when you see a guy have a moment like that. Those moments are important for all these guys. You're trying to grow; you're trying to develop. Having a moment like having a game like that, it shows the work's paying off, and you are getting a lot better.”
Sensabaugh credited the Jazz coaching staff, led by Hardy, for helping him develop early in his career. Staying in Salt Lake City for his first NBA offseason and working closely with the coaching staff have enabled him to continue progressing.
“They've been transparent with what they want from us. We have a bunch of meetings and conversations outside of practice to clarify things,” Sensabaugh explained to RG. “Being around the whole summer and getting our real work in Utah has helped a lot, especially for the young guys. We know what the coaches want, and if we keep building together, I think we can be special for sure.”
Sensabaugh has drawn inspiration from veterans and film study, modeling aspects of his game after players like Kevin Durant.
“My favorite player to watch since entering the NBA is probably Kevin Durant because of how simple he keeps the game,” Sensabaugh said. “He's a superstar, takes a lot of mid-ranges, and can make any shot, but he keeps things efficient. I pride myself on being efficient too. I also like watching the Celtics because they take great shots and play with a lot of energy.”
While there are iconic players to study, Sensabaugh finds value in learning from the veterans on his team daily. While Utah is rebuilding, the team still has plenty of experienced players like Patty Mills, Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, and John Collins, to name a few.
As Sensabaugh continues to play a role in Utah’s rotation, the Jazz see his development as critical to their long-term success. With his ability to score and increasing confidence in his playmaking, Sensabaugh’s growth could prove to be a key piece in Utah’s rebuild.
Grant Afseth
