Top draft picks duel in Las Vegas summer league opener

The Washington Wizards defeated the Utah Jazz 92-88 in a Las Vegas summer league game on Thursday. The Wizards' first overall draft pick scored a game-high 27 points, grabbed seven rebounds and added two assists in 26 minutes. The Jazz's second overall pick finished with 21 points, three rebounds and three assists.

Scoring and efficiency The Wizards' top pick shot 7-for-18 from the field and attempted eight free throws. The Jazz's top pick shot efficiently enough to keep his team close until the final minutes. The Wizards' top pick also sat out the closing moments after appearing to suffer leg cramps.

Key moments Late in the first quarter, the Wizards' top pick beat four defenders for a dunk after driving past one player, fending off another and finishing between two more. "Every time I play against him, it's a battle," the Wizards' top pick said after the game. "He always comes out to compete. He beat me three times previous, so this was my first win. I was glad to come out on top."

The Wizards' top pick showed the ability to create his own shot and reach the free-throw line against help defense. Observers noted he took several contested midrange attempts that may require refinement at the professional level. The Jazz's top pick competed throughout and helped keep the outcome close despite the loss.