AJ Dybantsa Makes Wizards Debut vs. Cavs, Box Score Stats & Highlights for AD, Harden, Top Players

Welcome to the NBA, AJ Dybantsa.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft made his debut for the Washington Wizards and looked impressive during the team's 121-111 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night.

He reacted to the performance after the game:

Washington wasn't able to emerge victorious after entering the contest as 9.5-point underdogs, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Here's how key players from the game fared including Dybantsa, Anthony Davis and James Harden:

Player	PTS	REB	AST	STL	BLK
AJ Dybantsa, WSH	19	2	2	0	0
Anthony Davis, WSH	18	5	3	1	2
Trae Young, WSH	14	5	8	0	0
James Harden, CLE	16	2	6	1	0
Donovan Mitchell, CLE	19	5	7	2	0
Evan Mobley, CLE	24	12	2	0	0

Dybantsa's 19 points were the most by a Wizards rookie in their debut since 1992 while also being tied for the fourth-most in a debut in team history.

His first career field goal was an impressive one, as he threw down a lob from Trae Young that was tossed from just beyond the halfcourt line.

The 19-year-old repeatedly showcased his athleticism around the rim while also displaying his playmaking potential.

Dybantsa ended up shooting 8-of-12 from the field, including 1-of-3 from three-point territory.

The Wizards put together a high-scoring first quarter, holding a 42-34 lead over the Cavaliers heading into the second.

Washington gained a double-digit advantage early in the second period and didn't look back for the remainder of the first half, maintaining a 69-59 edge at halftime.

The Wizards quickly pushed their lead to 13 points with 10 minutes left in the third, but the Cavs immediately responded with a 23-11 run to keep the game from getting out of hand.

At the end of three quarters, the score was tied 92-92.

Both teams battled to start the fourth before Washington gained a one-point lead with six minutes remaining in the contest, although Cleveland went on another 13-2 run down the stretch of the game to move back in front.

The Wizards were ultimately unable to pull off a late comeback, suffering their third loss of the season to fall to 2-3. The Cavs improved to 3-1 with the victory.

Washington ended the game with a season-high 31 assists as a team, but shot a mere 8-of-32 from three-point territory.

The Wizards are set to host the Charlotte Hornets in their next game on Friday, while the Cavs will travel to face the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday.