In an electrifying performance, Dalton Knecht tied the NBA’s record for most three-pointers made in a single game by a rookie, hitting nine shots from beyond the arc and scoring a career-high 37 points. The Los Angeles Lakers triumphed over the Utah Jazz with a final score of 124-118, marking their sixth straight victory.
Key contributions came from LeBron James and Anthony Davis, each netting 26 points, while James also dished out 12 assists. Austin Reaves further bolstered the team’s effort with 17 points. The defending NBA champions improved their home record to 7-0 and remain undefeated in group play this season with a 2-0 record.
This marks the Lakers’ first six-game winning streak since February 2021, shortly after their championship win during the Florida bubble.
For the Jazz, Lauri Markkanen led with 25 points, but the team has now dropped three consecutive games. Keyonte George had a strong fourth quarter, scoring 10 of his 18 points, while Collin Sexton contributed nine of his 19 points during the same period. However, the night was marred by a flagrant foul from John Collins, who struck Davis in the groin.
Rui Hachimura remained sidelined due to a sprained ankle, and Bronny James was out nursing a bruised heel.
Knecht’s notable third quarter, where he scored 21 points and hit four consecutive three-pointers, ignited the home crowd. His ninth three-pointer extended the Lakers’ lead to 25 early in the fourth quarter before the Jazz launched a late rally, ultimately falling short.
Knecht’s performance marks him alongside Rodrigue Beaubois (2010), Yogi Ferrell (2017), and Utah’s Keyonte George (2024) with a tied record for single-game rookie three-pointers.
Looking ahead, the Jazz will travel to San Antonio to conclude their four-game road trip, while the Lakers prepare to host the Orlando Magic.
This thrilling game highlights not only Knecht’s rapid rise as a key player for the Lakers but also the team’s solid chemistry and capability to perform under pressure, offering a positive outlook for the remainder of the season.