Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht delivered an impressive performance on Tuesday, scoring 37 points and tying an NBA rookie record with nine 3-pointers in a 124-118 victory over the Utah Jazz. Knecht’s scoring spree highlighted his potential and showcased why he was such a sought-after player despite being overlooked by 16 other teams in the draft.
Lakers superstar LeBron James provided insight into Knecht’s journey, emphasizing that it wasn’t the Lakers’ scouting that discovered him, but rather the missed opportunities from other teams. James highlighted Knecht’s stature as the SEC Player of the Year, underscoring how evident his talent was.
Knecht’s explosion came at a crucial time, as he scored 21 points in just over three minutes during the third quarter, significantly increasing the Lakers’ lead. His ability to hit four consecutive 3-pointers, often assisted by D’Angelo Russell, energized the Crypto.com Arena. The crowd buzzed with excitement, eagerly anticipating each of Knecht’s shots.
Adding to his stellar performance, Knecht was efficient on the night, shooting 12-of-16 from the floor, with a remarkable 9-of-12 from beyond the arc, alongside five rebounds and a steal. Lakers head coach JJ Redick praised Knecht’s fearless approach and notable ability to energize the team, likening his gameplay to a powerful asset beyond just scoring.
Knecht joined an elite group of players in Lakers history by hitting at least nine 3-pointers in a game, alongside legends like Russell, James, and Kobe Bryant. Following his record-tying performance, he playfully paid homage to Michael Jordan with a gesture made during the 1992 NBA Finals.
The Lakers improved their record to 2-0 in NBA Cup group play and extended their winning streak to six games. Knecht’s recent move into the starting lineup has paid dividends, as he is averaging 26 points while shooting an impressive 63.6% from the field and 61.5% from beyond the arc. His teammate, Anthony Davis, noted the importance of encouraging Knecht to take his shot, acknowledging his exceptional shooting ability.
With Knecht’s rising star and the Lakers’ momentum, the team is hopeful for a successful season ahead. Fans and analysts alike are excited to see how many more remarkable performances the rookie will deliver as the season progresses.
In summary, Knecht’s performance underscores his potential as a key player for the Lakers and an exciting prospect for the future of the team.