Rookie Dalton Knecht showcased his potential in a thrilling overtime victory for the Lakers against the Suns on Thursday night in Phoenix, finishing with an impressive 35 points. After the game, he proudly clutched the game ball in his locker, recalling a similar feeling from his college days at Auburn, where he dropped 39 points in a crucial game against Tennessee.
This time, however, Knecht enjoyed the excitement of having NBA legends LeBron James and Anthony Davis cheering him on from the sidelines, alongside the likes of Reggie Miller commentating and Kevin Durant opposing him on the court. As Knecht prepared to enter overtime, Durant offered him a piece of advice: “Go take over the game.”
When asked about his performance, Knecht credited his teammates for their support, saying, “Bron and AD said, ‘It’s time.’ So it was just time to take over.” This performance reinforced his reputation as a promising addition to the team, as Lakers coach JJ Redick noted that Knecht’s shooting ability puts him in elite company.
During the game, Knecht established himself as a scoring threat by notching 20 consecutive points during a critical stretch late in the fourth quarter and into overtime. Despite being selected 17th in the draft due to concerns about his age and defensive skills, Knecht’s offensive prowess demonstrated why the Lakers believe they secured a gem.
His defensive skills are seen as improvable, with teammates and coaches commending his willingness to learn and adapt. Guard Austin Reaves spoke highly of Knecht’s eagerness to apply feedback, noting, “Like you say, ‘Dalton do this,’ he’s going to do it. He’s working hard every single day to get better.”
The Lakers have been investing ample time in developing Knecht, leading the team in minutes and averaging 10 three-point attempts per game, even with a challenging shooting percentage before the standout performance. His focus on improvement and drive for success has been evident, as shown by his disappointment after a previous missed opportunity to tie a game earlier in the preseason.
Redick praised Knecht’s mental toughness and competitive spirit, stating that these qualities are essential for growth and progress as a player. Knecht’s performance in such a high-pressure situation with his prominent teammates watching served as a pivotal moment in his early professional career, highlighting the dedication and hard work he puts in daily.
As the Lakers move forward, Knecht’s development and contributions will be closely watched, especially given his drive and the substantial support from his established teammates.