The Washington Wizards secured a 92-88 victory over the Utah Jazz in their NBA Summer League opener in Las Vegas. The game marked the first head-to-head meeting between the top two picks of the 2026 NBA Draft, AJ Dybantsa of the Wizards and Darryn Peterson of the Jazz.
AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1 overall pick, made a significant impact in his debut, leading the Wizards with a game-high 27 points. He also contributed seven rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block. His performance helped the Wizards start their Summer League campaign with a 1-0 record.
Wizards’ Strong Start and Key Players
The Wizards established an early lead, with Dybantsa scoring 11 first-half points to help his team build a 29-18 advantage by halftime. Beyond Dybantsa’s contributions, Tre Johnson, last year’s No. 6 overall pick, provided substantial offensive support, adding 26 points. Will Riley, another first-round pick from last season, also chipped in with 18 points, three rebounds, and two assists, showcasing his scoring ability.
Other players on the Wizards roster who are being watched include Felix Okpara, a second-round big man known for his potential as a rim protector and rebounder, and Seth Trimble, an undrafted free agent guard from North Carolina with strong defensive potential. Jamir Watkins, an older prospect from the 2025 second round, is also being evaluated for his defensive skills, while Juju Reese is looking to translate his rebounding production from extended minutes into competitive games.
The Wizards’ coaching staff will be looking for activity and aggression from players like Dybantsa and Riley, assessing if they are actively trying to make plays rather than waiting for the game to unfold. For role players, the focus is on their understanding and execution of their roles, such as a three-and-D type willing to take open shots or a strong defensive effort despite less sophisticated schemes.
Jazz’s Performance and Peterson’s Debut
Darryn Peterson, the No. 2 overall pick, led the Jazz in scoring with 24 points, along with three rebounds and two assists. However, he faced challenges from beyond the arc, shooting 2-of-7 from 3-point range. Trey Alexander contributed 13 points and five rebounds for the Jazz, while Cody Williams made his presence felt defensively with four steals and one block.
Despite the loss, the Jazz had entered Thursday’s game with momentum, having completed a perfect 3-0 run at the Salt Lake City Summer League. During that stretch, Peterson was a standout performer, scoring 28 points in their opening win against the Atlanta Hawks and following up with 25 points and 12 assists in a victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. The Jazz then rested their starters in a win against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
In the Las Vegas game, the Jazz mounted a comeback in the third quarter, outscoring Washington 25-16 to close the gap. Although the Wizards responded with a 9-0 run, the Jazz made a final push, ending the game on a 7-2 spurt that included Peterson’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer. This rally, however, was not enough to secure the win, and the Jazz fell to 0-1 in Las Vegas Summer League play.
Looking Ahead in Summer League
The NBA Summer League is often seen as an opportunity for top picks to make an immediate statement and for other players to showcase their skills. While some academic research suggests a relationship between Summer League performance and regular-season effectiveness, teams often manage the playing time of their top prospects to mitigate injury risks.
The Wizards are scheduled to continue their Las Vegas Summer League play on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings. The Jazz will also be in action on Sunday, facing the Los Angeles Clippers.
Source: bulletsforever.com