Dalton Knecht made headlines by tying the NBA’s single-game rookie record with nine 3-pointers, while also scoring a career-high 37 points in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 124-118 victory over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night. This triumph marks the Lakers’ sixth consecutive win and highlights their impressive performance at home, now boasting a 7-0 record.
In addition to Knecht’s remarkable display, LeBron James contributed significantly with 26 points and 12 assists, while Anthony Davis also scored 26 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. Austin Reaves added 17 points, demonstrating the depth of talent within the defending NBA Cup champions. With this victory, the Lakers improved to 2-0 in group play for the season, and fans are encouraged by their strong momentum, as they had not won six straight games since February 2021.
The Jazz faced challenges during the game. Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 25 points, but the team has now lost three matches in a row. Keyonte George and Collin Sexton provided some late-game scoring, but their performance came too late to change the outcome.
Knecht’s standout performance in the third quarter was a pivotal moment in the game. He made four consecutive 3-pointers, igniting the crowd and scoring 21 points during that period. His ninth 3-pointer extended LA’s lead to 25 early in the fourth quarter.
This performance not only showcases Knecht’s potential but also addresses a longstanding need for catch-and-shoot threats alongside stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Knecht has now averaged 24.3 points per game since taking on a starting role just four games ago.
Looking ahead, the Jazz will visit the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday, while the Lakers will host the Orlando Magic the same day, offering both teams an opportunity to steer their respective seasons in a favorable direction.
Overall, this game highlights the pivot towards bright prospects for the Lakers, especially with the emergence of newer players like Knecht, which could lead to a rejuvenated team dynamic and fresh hopes for the current season.