AJ Dybantsa scored 27 points [1] to lead the Washington Wizards to a 92-88 [3] victory over the Utah Jazz on Thursday.

The game marked the first professional meeting between the two top selections of the 2026 NBA Draft. As the No. 1 [4] and No. 2 [5] overall picks, the performance of Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson served as a primary focal point for the Las Vegas Summer League.

Dybantsa utilized his scoring ability to secure the win for Washington. His 27 points [1] anchored the Wizards' offense in a closely contested game that remained competitive until the final whistle.

Peterson did not trail far behind in the scoring duel. The Utah Jazz rookie contributed 24 points [2] in his debut, demonstrating the offensive efficiency that made him the second selection in the draft [5]. Despite Peterson's strong individual performance, the Jazz fell short by four points [3].

The matchup provided a direct comparison of the league's most anticipated prospects. Both players faced the physical demands of the professional game for the first time in a high-pressure environment, a setting designed to test the readiness of new arrivals before the regular season begins.

While individual statistics in the Summer League are not always indicative of regular-season success, the head-to-head nature of this contest drew significant attention. The Wizards' victory gives Dybantsa an early edge in the narrative surrounding the 2026 rookie class.

“AJ Dybantsa scored 27 points to lead the Washington Wizards to a 92-88 victory”

This result establishes an early competitive benchmark between the two premier talents of the 2026 draft. While Summer League games are exhibitions, the ability of the No. 1 pick to outscore the No. 2 pick in a direct matchup provides Washington with an early psychological advantage and validates the Wizards' decision to select Dybantsa first overall.