Caleb Wilson Scores Record 35 Points as Bulls Fall to Grizzlies

The Bulls made a thrilling debut against the Memphis Grizzlies at the 2026 NBA Summer League, but fell short, 97-96, on Friday night.

All eyes were on Caleb Wilson — the Bulls' No. 4 overall draft pick — to show out in the first game in Las Vegas. Needless to say, he delivered.

The former Tar Heel went into the game with a simple goal when asked by reporters a few days prior: to win. Although he didn't achieve that objective, Wilson had a performance that'll undoubtedly get Bulls fans excited about the future of their team. The 19-year-old forward scored 35 points on an efficient 12-of-21 shooting and an otherworldly 7-of-11 clip from deep.

No other rookie in the history of the Las Vegas Summer League has scored more in their debut than Wilson did on Friday night. He also chipped in five rebounds, three blocks and two steals.

No. 3 overall pick Cameron Boozer — who matched up against Wilson while the two battled at Duke and UNC, respectively, last season — led the Grizzlies with an efficient 23 points, six rebounds and four assists. He also earned a steal on Wilson in the first quarter, which he took the other way for a transition slam.

Second-year forward Noa Essengue returned not only to the Summer League hardwood, but also to the court in general. Essengue was sidelined for the majority of the 2025-26 season with a shoulder injury.

Coming back strong after the season-ending issue, Essengue looked cool, calm, and collected during his 29 minutes on the floor. The Frenchman ended the game with 10 points, five rebounds and four blocks.

The energy on the floor was tangible as soon as the game began, with Bulls fans visible across the Thomas and Mack Center. From tip-off, Bulls head coach Tiago Splitter worked to rotate the young group in and out of the game, allowing players to get meaningful minutes for the debut contest.

The Bulls attained 17 points in the first quarter, compared to the Grizzlies' 23, and maintained pace throughout the second period. At the half, the Bulls were down by six points, largely attributed to a strong opening performance by Boozer. 

Wilson led Chicago with 14 points, while two-way guard Jaylin Sellers notched eight.

The margin at the half did not deter the Bulls, however, as they came back with a palpable intensity in both the third and fourth quarters.

In the third, the Bulls rallied from a deficit with a few efficient threes from Wilson, closing the gap to 79-68.  As the game progressed, the group seemed to find its groove together with every possession.

The fourth and final quarter was the most physical yet, with the Bulls paying close attention to guarding the paint and putting pressure on their competition. 

Ultimately, the Bulls fell just one point short, even with a deep buzzer-beater from Wilson. Despite the loss, the Bulls set the tone for their upcoming games in the Summer League.

The next game will occur on Monday, July 13, at 8 p.m. CT against the Utah Jazz, followed by a back-to-back game the next day with the Washington Wizards at 7 p.m. CT.