AJ Dybantsa scored 27 points [1] to lead the Washington Wizards in a Summer League matchup against Darryn Peterson and the Utah Jazz.

The game served as the first professional meeting between the top two selections of the 2026 NBA Draft. This matchup provides a critical early look at how the league's premier rookies translate their collegiate or international success to the professional game.

Both players entered the contest with high expectations following the draft on June 24, 2026 [5]. Dybantsa, the No. 1 overall pick [3], used the showcase in Las Vegas, Nevada [6], to establish an early lead in the rivalry. His offensive output of 27 points [1] helped the Wizards secure a narrow edge over the Jazz.

Peterson, the No. 2 overall pick [4], nearly matched the output of the top selection. He finished the game with 24 points [2] in a performance that highlighted his scoring ability. The duel was the centerpiece of the July 2026 NBA Summer League, drawing significant attention from fans and scouts wanting to see the potential of the new class.

The Summer League is designed to give rookies a first-team showcase before the regular season begins. By pitting the top two picks against one another, the league provided a direct comparison of the skill sets that led to their high draft positions. While Dybantsa held the statistical upper hand in this debut, both players demonstrated the efficiency expected of lottery picks.

“AJ Dybantsa scored 27 points to lead the Washington Wizards.”

The narrow margin between Dybantsa's 27 points and Peterson's 24 points suggests that the gap between the No. 1 and No. 2 picks is minimal in terms of immediate scoring impact. This early encounter sets the narrative for a long-term rivalry and validates the draft valuations for both the Washington Wizards and the Utah Jazz as they integrate these high-ceiling prospects into their rosters.