LAS VEGAS — AJ Dybantsa made his long-awaited professional debut count, scoring a game-high 27 points to lead the Washington Wizards past the Utah Jazz, 92-88, in the opening night of NBA Summer League play Thursday at Thomas & Mack Center.
The much-anticipated head-to-head matchup between the top two picks in the 2026 NBA Draft delivered from the opening tip. Washington built a 29-18 first-quarter cushion behind Dybantsa’s aggressive downhill attacks, capped by a highlight-reel dunk that brought the Thomas & Mack Center crowd to its feet. Utah answered with a 25-16 third-quarter surge to pull within one possession, but the Wizards closed the door with a 9-0 run in the final frame to seal the win.
Dybantsa finished 27 points on efficient shooting to go with 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and a block in his first game since Washington made him the No. 1 overall pick in June. Second-year guard Tre Johnson poured in 26 points of his own, and Will Riley added 18 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Utah got 24 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists from No. 2 overall pick Darryn Peterson, who matched Dybantsa shot for shot for long stretches before fouling out late.
Brian Keefe’s Summer League roster showed early chemistry in the win, with the Wizards’ three top scorers combining to shoot a high clip from the field while limiting Utah to just one player in double figures not named Peterson.
Washington opens Summer League play 1-0. The Wizards return to Thomas & Mack Center on Sunday, July 12, to face the Sacramento Kings.