Chicago Bulls Dominate Washington Wizards in Summer League Showdown

The Chicago Bulls opened their 2026 NBA Summer League campaign with a commanding 99-87 victory over the Washington Wizards on July 15. The game, played in Las Vegas, showcased a mix of promising rookies, second-year players, and undrafted free agents vying for roster spots. The Bulls' balanced attack and stifling defense proved too much for a Wizards squad that struggled to find rhythm until the final quarter.

First Half: Bulls Set the Tone

Chicago jumped out to an early lead, capitalizing on fast-break opportunities and crisp ball movement. The Bulls shot 52% from the field in the first half, while holding Washington to just 38% shooting. Rookie guard Jalen Harper (16 points, 5 assists) orchestrated the offense, finding open shooters and attacking the rim. By halftime, the Bulls led 52-40, a margin that felt even larger given their defensive intensity.

Second Half: Wizards Fight Back, Bulls Answer

Washington came out of the break determined to close the gap. Forward Chris Mwangi (22 points, 9 rebounds) sparked a 10-2 run, cutting the deficit to six points midway through the third quarter. However, Chicago responded with a 14-4 spurt, fueled by second-year wing Marcus Bell (18 points, 7 rebounds). Bell's three-point shooting and defensive versatility kept the Wizards at arm's length. The Bulls extended their lead to 20 points late in the fourth before Washington made a late run to make the final margin respectable.

Key Performers and Takeaways

• Chicago Bulls: Jalen Harper (16 pts, 5 ast), Marcus Bell (18 pts, 7 reb), Isaiah Clarke (12 pts, 10 reb double-double). The Bulls' bench outscored Washington's reserves 34-22.
• Washington Wizards: Chris Mwangi (22 pts, 9 reb), Trey Lewis (15 pts, 4 ast), Derek Evans (10 pts, 3 blocks). Turnovers plagued the Wizards (17 total).
• Turning Point: A 10-0 run late in the third quarter put the Bulls up 68-52, and they never looked back.

Summer League Context

The NBA Summer League serves as an early proving ground for draft picks and free agents. For the Bulls, the strong showing from Harper (a second-round pick) and Bell (a returning rotation hopeful) bodes well for depth ahead of the regular season. Washington, meanwhile, will look to improve their defensive rotations and ball security in their next matchup against the Miami Heat on July 17.

With this win, Chicago improves to 1-0 in the Las Vegas Summer League, while the Wizards fall to 0-1. All eyes will be on how these young players develop over the remaining games.