Darryn Peterson explains why he picked up nine personal fouls in NBA Summer League game

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Darryn Peterson’s debut at the 2026 Las Vegas Summer League had a unique box score quirk that regular NBA fans will not be aware of.

The traditional Las Vegas Summer League game between the No. 1 and No. 2 overall picks pitted AJ Dybantsa’s Washington Wizards against Peterson’s Utah Jazz.

The entertaining affair ended 92-88 in Washington’s favor. Peterson’s box score with nine personal fouls caught most NBA fans off guard, as six fouls usually lead to an ejection during regular games.

Darryn Peterson maximizes unique Summer League rules to his advantage

Peterson spoke to the media after his 24-point (6-18 FG) performance with three rebounds and three assists and explained how Summer League rules enabled his fouling spree.

“They told me I had 10 (to give). It was a physical game, so I was going out with 9.”

Since the Summer League is supposed to be a developmental experience, the rules create leniency for players to play without worrying about foul trouble. This also encourages more physical play, creating a stiffer test for the players on the court.

The foul limit reverts to six in the semifinals and championship game, but it seems Peterson will maximize the deliberately long leash for as long as he can.

Darryn Peterson loses the opening battle to AJ Dybantsa

Dybantsa looked like the bigger star in this opening clash, ending with a game-high 27 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block.

Former first-round picks like Will Riley (18 PTS) and Tre Johnson (26 PTS) flanked Dybantsa, while Peterson relied on former Jazz lottery pick Cody Williams (16 PTS, 4 STL).

Neither star looked efficient on offense, but maximized their scoring by getting to the free-throw line with ease, both registering eight attempts each.

Dybantsa didn’t make a single one of his five three-point attempts, raising a potential future red flag for teams to be wary of. The same can be said of Peterson’s eight turnovers and inefficient shooting.

The good thing is that this is just the first glimpse of who they are as NBA players. There’s a long road of development ahead before they can fulfil their potential as superstars in the league.