The Washington Wizards defeated the Utah Jazz 92-88 on Thursday night to open the 2026 NBA Las Vegas Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center.
No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa won his highly anticipated professional debut against No. 2 pick Darryn Peterson. Dybantsa led all scorers with 27 points, seven rebounds, and two assists on 7-of-18 shooting. He showcased his ability as a lead ball-handler before exiting the final moments of the game due to apparent leg cramps.
Peterson finished with 24 points, three rebounds, and three assists. The Utah rookie struggled with offensive efficiency, shooting 6-of-18 from the field. Washington deployed aggressive double-team coverages that forced Peterson into eight turnovers.
The matchup drew a sold-out crowd. NBA stars including Trae Young, Anthony Davis, and Wizards teammate Alex Sarr sat courtside to watch the top two draft picks square off.
This Las Vegas opener marks the newest stage of a documented rivalry. The two guards previously clashed in high school, where they once combined for over 100 points in a single senior-year game.
Earlier this year, Peterson’s Kansas Jayhawks defeated Dybantsa’s BYU Cougars. Following Thursday’s game, Dybantsa noted that Peterson had beaten him three previous times across different levels, making this his first head-to-head victory over the Jazz rookie.