The Los Angeles Clippers powered past the Utah Jazz on Sunday, winning 104-82, fueled by a dominant performance from No. 5 overall pick Keaton Wagler. This victory marked the Clippers' first win in the 2026 NBA Summer League, pushing their record to 1-1 while the Jazz remain winless at 0-2.
Wagler's Explosive Showing Powers Clippers' First Win
Keaton Wagler, the fifth pick in this year's draft, absolutely erupted in his second Summer League outing. He showcased his all-around game, dropping 23 points and hitting a sweet 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. He didn't just score, either, adding four assists and a steal that helped power the Clippers to their commanding 22-point victory. But Wagler wasn't alone in lighting up the scoreboard. Baba Miller provided a huge offensive spark, pouring in 15 points on an efficient 5-of-7 shooting, including 2-of-3 from deep, plus five rebounds. Nick Martinelli rounded out the impressive team effort with 14 points, making key defensive contributions with a steal and four defensive rebounds. The Clippers didn't just win; they broke the game open in the third quarter, overwhelming Utah with a massive 42-18 scoring advantage that turned a tight 40-38 halftime lead into an 82-56 runaway by the end of the quarter.Jazz Still Winless as Peterson Fights Growing Pains
For the Jazz, it was a rough night that started slow, with only 13 points in the first quarter, and ended with another loss. No. 2 overall pick Darryn Peterson continued to make his mark with an all-around effort, tallying 23 points, five assists, two steals, and two blocks. Yet, the team just couldn't find a rhythm. Blake Hinson tried to fuel the offense off the bench with 16 points and three rebounds, and Jonas Aidoo chipped in a steady nine points, a double-double with 10 rebounds, and three blocks defensively. But Peterson has experienced some growing pains in the Summer League, too; he had eight turnovers in their 92-88 debut loss to No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa and the Washington Wizards, despite putting up 24 points. Adding to the Jazz's woes, second-year player Ace Bailey endured a tough outing, going 0-for-5 from the field and finishing the game without a single point. It's clear the Jazz have some kinks to iron out if they want to get into the win column. The Clippers, now with their first win under their belt, will be back in action on Tuesday when they face the Los Angeles Clippers. Can Wagler keep this explosive run going? You know we'll be watching to see if they can maintain this momentum.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.