The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Chicago Bulls 97-96 [3] in an NBA Summer League matchup in Las Vegas on Friday [6].
The game served as the first professional meeting between two of the 2026 NBA Draft's most anticipated prospects. This rivalry, rooted in their closely contested draft positions, provided a glimpse into the future of the league as both players attempted to justify their top-five status.
Caleb Wilson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft [5], led all scorers with 35 points [2]. Wilson's offensive output drove the Bulls' effort to keep the game within a single point until the final buzzer. Despite his scoring surge, the Bulls fell just short of an upset.
Cameron Boozer, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft [4], contributed 23 points [1] to lead the Grizzlies to victory. Boozer's performance anchored the Memphis offense in a game characterized by high intensity and a narrow margin of error.
The matchup took place at the NBA Summer League venue in Las Vegas, Nevada [1]. The event is designed to allow rookies to adjust to the professional pace of play before the regular season begins.
While Wilson won the individual scoring battle, the Grizzlies secured the team win. The narrow gap in the final score reflects the competitive nature of the two rookies as they transition from collegiate stars to professional athletes.
“The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Chicago Bulls 97-96.”
This game establishes an early competitive benchmark for the 2026 draft class. While Caleb Wilson demonstrated superior individual scoring ability, Cameron Boozer's contribution to a winning effort suggests a different impact on team success. The narrow victory for Memphis indicates that both top-five picks are capable of producing immediate offensive results at the professional level.
