Wizards Fall to Bulls 99-87 in Summer League as Young Talent Continues to Develop

LAS VEGAS — The Washington Wizards’ unbeaten run in the 2026 NBA 2K26 Summer League came to an end Tuesday night as they dropped a 99-87 decision to the Chicago Bulls. While the final score wasn’t what Washington wanted, the game provided another valuable opportunity for several young players battling for roster spots and two-way contracts.

The Wizards entered the contest without their three headline rookies—AJ Dybantsa, Tre Johnson, and Will Riley—after the organization elected to shut them down for the remainder of Summer League following impressive performances in the first two games. With the franchise’s top prospects resting, Washington leaned on its supporting cast to carry the offensive load.

Washington started the night looking sharp, jumping out to a 9-0 lead and forcing the Bulls to call an early timeout. The Wizards shared the basketball well, pushed the pace in transition, and played with the defensive intensity that helped them open Summer League with back-to-back victories.

Chicago, however, slowly settled into the game. The Bulls began forcing turnovers, converted easy transition opportunities, and chipped away at the deficit throughout the second quarter. By halftime, Washington’s early momentum had disappeared as Chicago carried a 37-36 advantage into the locker room.

The game turned decisively during the second half.

Chicago opened the third quarter with renewed energy and used a lengthy scoring run to seize complete control. The Bulls outworked Washington on both ends of the floor, capitalizing on turnovers while knocking down timely perimeter shots. A dominant 23-6 run stretching through the third and fourth quarters ultimately created enough separation to secure the victory.

Despite the loss, several Wizards continued to strengthen their cases for training camp invitations.

Chris Livingston delivered his best performance of Summer League, leading Washington with 21 points while attacking the rim aggressively and showing confidence from the perimeter. Livingston consistently provided offensive energy and kept the Wizards within striking distance during stretches when the offense struggled.

Center Felix Okpara continued his impressive Summer League showing, finishing with 12 points, four rebounds, and a blocked shot. The athletic big man flashed his defensive versatility, protected the rim, and ran the floor well in transition. His combination of length, mobility, and defensive instincts has made him one of Washington’s pleasant surprises in Las Vegas.

Kadary Richmond once again handled significant playmaking responsibilities, while Seth Trimble supplied energy on both ends of the floor. Both guards showed flashes of their athletic ability but struggled to find offensive consistency against Chicago’s physical defense.

The biggest difference in the game came in Washington’s inability to protect the basketball. Turnovers repeatedly fueled the Bulls’ transition attack, allowing Chicago to score easy baskets without having to execute in the half court. The Wizards also struggled to generate quality offensive possessions late in the game as the Bulls tightened their defensive pressure.

While Summer League wins are always welcomed, player development remains the organization’s primary objective. Tuesday’s loss gave Washington’s coaching staff another opportunity to evaluate players in expanded roles after shutting down its top three rookies.

That decision speaks volumes about how the organization feels about AJ Dybantsa, Tre Johnson, and Will Riley. All three showed enough during the opening games that the Wizards no longer needed additional Summer League evaluation. Instead, the focus now shifts toward keeping them healthy as preparations begin for training camp.

For players like Livingston, Okpara, Richmond, Trimble, and others fighting for NBA opportunities, every remaining Summer League game carries significant importance. Strong performances could lead to roster spots, two-way contracts, or increased roles heading into preseason.

Washington now sits at 2-1 in the Las Vegas Summer League and will look to rebound in its next matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. Even with several top prospects sidelined, the remaining games will provide valuable experience for a young roster continuing to build chemistry and prove it belongs at the next level.

Although the undefeated streak is over, the Wizards leave Tuesday’s contest with plenty of positives. Livingston continued to emerge as a reliable scorer, Okpara reinforced his defensive potential, and several young players gained valuable minutes against quality competition. Those developmental gains could ultimately prove far more important than the final score as Washington continues building its future.