The 2026 NBA Summer League is well underway and the most anticipated matchup so far took place on Thursday, when No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa and the Washington Wizards took on No. 2 pick Darryn Peterson and the Utah Jazz.
Neither star had a stellar shooting night, but Dybantsa and the Wizards took better care of the ball and secured the win.
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Washington was able to utilize strong rebounding and finishing to establish a lead early while Dybantsa went to work in the paint.
His first bucket was a smooth layup just a few minutes into action.
Near the end of the opening quarter, he sent the crowd into a frenzy with his first poster slam at the NBA level.
Around 30 seconds later, Peterson sank a difficult sidestep three for his first bucket.
Virtually no one was putting up efficient numbers, but the Wizards had the advantage in rebounds and free throw shooting. By halftime, Washington led 54-37.
Peterson led the Jazz’s offense to an 8-0 run early in the second half, but the Wizards recovered well and responded with a run of their own.
Throughout the third quarter, the Jazz slowly chipped away at the deficit and cut it to eight with one quarter to go.
But Dybantsa continued to lead the way for the Wizards offensively, despite less-than-stellar efficiency. He finished at the rim with ease and got to the free throw line – times in the matchup.
A strong opening in the fourth quarter allowed the Wizards to regain a double-digit advantage, although the Jazz refused to give up.
Down the stretch, Peterson made some clutch buckets to help the Jazz make a comeback. The final three minutes became a battle of shot-making between the two squads.
By the final buzzer, Washington came away with a 92-88 victory.
Peterson struggled early in his debut, in part due to aggressive defense by the Wizards. But he put up 21 points, three rebounds, three assists and eight turnovers on 6-18 shooting.
Dybantsa wasn’t lights out from the floor, but he finished with a game-high 27 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one turnover on 7-18 shooting.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
