The Chicago Bulls opened their 2026 NBA Summer League campaign with a commanding 99–87 victory over the Washington Wizards on July 15 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. The Bulls used a balanced scoring attack and stifling second‑half defense to pull away from a Wizards squad that had kept the game tight through the first two quarters.

Match Overview

Both teams came out looking to establish an up‑tempo rhythm, and the first half featured back‑and‑forth play with neither side able to seize a double‑digit lead. The Bulls led by just four points at halftime, 48–44, after a buzzer‑beating three‑pointer from rookie guard Jaylen Wright. The Wizards responded with a strong third‑quarter run, but Chicago clamped down defensively in the final period, holding Washington to only 18 points while scoring 27 themselves.

Key Moments

• First Quarter – Blistering pace: Both teams shot above 50% from the field in the opening frame, combining for 54 points. Bulls forward Marcus Tate scored eight quick points inside the paint.
• Third Quarter – Wizards surge: Washington guard Isaiah Cooper knocked down two threes in a 10–2 run that gave the Wizards a 63–60 lead with 3:44 left in the third.
• Fourth Quarter – Bulls take control: Chicago answered with a 14–0 run to open the final period, capped by a steal and dunk from Jordan Sims that pushed the lead to 84–69 with 6:10 remaining.

Standout Players

• Jaylen Wright (CHI): The rookie combo guard finished with a game‑high 24 points on 9‑of‑15 shooting, adding 5 assists and 3 steals. His second‑quarter buzzer‑beater provided crucial momentum.
• Marcus Tate (CHI): The power forward recorded a double‑double with 16 points and 12 rebounds, anchoring the Bulls’ interior defense.
• Isaiah Cooper (WAS): The Wizards’ leading scorer poured in 20 points (4‑of‑7 from three) and dished out 4 assists, but his efforts were not enough to overcome Chicago’s fourth‑quarter surge.

Tactical Story

Chicago’s defensive versatility was the difference. After giving up 44 first‑half points, the Bulls switched to a 2‑3 zone that disrupted Washington’s pick‑and‑roll actions. The Wizards managed only 43 points in the second half and turned the ball over 10 times. Offensively, the Bulls shared the ball well, tallying 22 assists on 36 made field goals, and they dominated the offensive glass with 13 second‑chance points.

Summer League Context

With the win, the Bulls improved to 1‑1 in Las Vegas Summer League play, while the Wizards dropped to 0‑2. Both teams are using the tournament to evaluate young talent and finalize their training‑camp rosters. Chicago’s next game is against the Sacramento Kings on July 17, while Washington will face the Los Angeles Lakers on the same day.