The top two selections from the 2026 NBA Draft faced off during the first day of the 2026 Las Vegas Summer League. AJ Dybantsa, the number one overall pick for the Washington Wizards, outdueled Darryn Peterson, the number two overall pick for the Utah Jazz, in a matchup at a sold-out Thomas and Mack Arena.
Dybantsa recorded 27 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals to lead the Wizards to a 92-88 victory over the Jazz. His 27 points tie Blake Griffin for the most points scored by a number one overall pick in a Las Vegas NBA Summer League debut.
During the first quarter, the 6-foot-9 wing from BYU scored 11 points and grabbed four rebounds, including a poster dunk. Dybantsa noted that his performance at the rim mirrored what he had achieved during summer practices. He also credited his scoring ability alongside teammate Tre Johnson, stating that teams would struggle to guard both players if they remained aggressive.
Peterson finished the game with 24 points and hit back-to-back buckets late in the game to bring the Jazz within one point. Peterson remarked that being passed over for the top pick drives him to become a better player and expressed his desire to help his team win despite the loss.
The Jazz attempted a second-half comeback led by Cody Williams, who contributed 16 points and four steals. Williams is currently in his second season with the Jazz.
This matchup marks the fifth time Dybantsa and Peterson have played each other in the last two and a half years. While Peterson has emerged as the better prospect in their previous four encounters, Dybantsa secured the win in this debut. Previous matchups between the two include a high school game where they combined for 107 points and a college game where Peterson scored 18 points.
Summer League action is scheduled to continue until July 19. The Wizards are set to play the Kings on Sunday, followed by the Jazz facing the Clippers.
