In a highly anticipated matchup at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1 overall pick, led the Washington Wizards to a 92-88 victory over the Utah Jazz in the 2026 NBA Summer League. Dybantsa delivered a game-high 27 points, with 19 of those points coming in the first half, helping the Wizards establish a significant lead by intermission.
The game featured a head-to-head contest between Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, the No. 2 overall selection for the Jazz. While the matchup of the top two picks garnered considerable attention, Dybantsa was a focal point in the initial two quarters, contributing to Washington’s 54-37 lead at halftime. The Jazz mounted a comeback in the second half, narrowing the deficit and getting as close as one point with just over a minute remaining. However, Will Riley secured the win for the Wizards by scoring their final six points.
Key Player Performances
Dybantsa’s performance included not only his 27 points but also seven rebounds, two steals, and one block. Tre Johnson, last year’s No. 6 overall pick, followed with 26 points, while Riley furnished 18 of his own. For the Jazz, Peterson led his team with 24 points, along with three assists and a block. Cody Williams recorded 16 points, five rebounds, four steals, and one block. Trey Alexander, leading the second unit, scored 13 points and grabbed five rebounds, while Orlando Robinson tallied 10 points, six rebounds and one block.
Despite the high-scoring individual efforts, the game saw a combined 72 fouls and 36 turnovers between both teams. Neither Dybantsa nor Peterson achieved a field goal percentage near 50%. Dybantsa, for instance, missed all five of his outside shots but still managed his game-high points total in 26 minutes, also adding two assists to his stat line. Peterson’s contribution included three rebounds in addition to his points and assists.
Rivalry and Future Outlook
The contest highlighted the budding rivalry between Dybantsa and Peterson, a dynamic that observers believe could continue throughout their careers. Dybantsa noted after the game that this was his first victory against Peterson in their previous encounters, stating, “Every time I play against him it’s a battle. He always comes out to compete.” Peterson echoed this sentiment, expressing his anticipation for future games against Dybantsa.
Both the Wizards and the Jazz are pursuing strategies to improve their franchises. The Jazz are looking to build around a backcourt featuring Keyonte George and Peterson, alongside a frontcourt with Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. Head coach Will Hardy emphasizes player development, and George noted Peterson’s intangible skills, such as using his off-arm to deter defenders and making quick reads on offense. The Wizards, following a busy offseason that included signing Trae Young to a long-term extension and adding Deandre Ayton and Khris Middleton, aim to control their destiny with a talented and physical roster that now includes Dybantsa.
The two teams are scheduled to play again on Sunday. The Jazz will face the Clippers at 10 ET, while the Wizards will compete against the Kings at 8 ET.
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Source: nba.com
