Darryn Peterson’s promise shines through as Utah Jazz struggle in Vegas
Jul 12, 2026, 11:55 PM | Updated: Jul 13, 2026, 10:57 am
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 12: Darryn Peterson #22 of the Utah Jazz looks on in the fourth quarter of a 2026 NBA Summer League game against the LA Clippers at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 12, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS — Despite back-to-back losses to open Vegas Summer League, Utah Jazz rookie guard Darryn Peterson has been as advertised.
The No. 2 pick has scored 20 or more points in each of his four appearances over the last eight days, and continues to impact the game positively even when the shot isn’t falling.
buckets, boards, dimes, blocks, steals, you name it. Darryn was everywhere tonight 💪#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/L2oeRS1T8U
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) July 13, 2026
On Sunday against the Clippers, Peterson posted 23 points, five assists, two rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.
His two young core counterparts, Ace Bailey and Cody Williams, each finished with zero points. Bailey didn’t check in after halftime and was ruled out with back spasms.
Similar to his Vegas debut on Thursday, Peterson did not have an efficient night, shooting just 6-18 from the field and 1-3 from three. Still, he was undoubtedly the best player on the floor for the Jazz and debatably the best player for either team.
Sheesh. pic.twitter.com/MSN6JRaT46 https://t.co/o9rg80ilfG
— Chandler Holt (@CHoltSports) July 13, 2026
What stood out the most was his ability to constantly draw contact and tack on easy points from the free throw line.
He shot 6-8 from the stripe, which accounted for 10 of his points with the new free throw rule being tested in Summer League.
After the game, head coach Steve Wojciechowski spoke on Peterson’s ability to get those easy points and what it does for the offense.
Darryn (Peterson) is a guy that puts a lot of pressure on the defense. Generally, guys with that type of characteristic get to the foul line. He can do it in a bunch of different ways. Guys who can put the ball in the hole and get fouled like him are a real asset.
On a night when he shot just 33 percent, Peterson still managed to keep the offense afloat with constant pressure and also stayed active on defense with four stocks.
When the real thing rolls around in October, there will be nights when the shot isn’t falling. Only a select, special group of score-first players can still impact the game on those nights.
Darryn Peterson is showing that he can be that guy.
