Dalton Knecht transformed Tuesday night’s game against the Utah Jazz from just another match-up on the Los Angeles Lakers' schedule to a historic performance for the rookie. Knecht, making headlines across the NBA, achieved what few have done before him: he tied the league’s single-game rookie record for three-pointers, hitting nine, and scored a career-high 37 points to lead the Lakers to their impressive 124-118 victory.
The home crowd at the Crypto.com Arena was electric, rallying behind Knecht as he showcased his shooting prowess. "He was unstoppable," commented one thrilled fan. The victory marked the Lakers' sixth consecutive win, propelling them to 2-0 during the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup group play. Before this streak, the franchise hadn't enjoyed six straight wins since February 2021.
Knecht's performance was nothing short of mesmerizing. He was on target throughout the night, shooting 12 for 16 from the floor, including the remarkable 9 for 12 from deep. His standout moment came during the third quarter when he unleashed his shooting floodgates. Knecht sank five three-pointers within just 3:29 of time, contributing to his back-to-back superb performances.
Interestingly, this wasn’t Knecht’s first notable outing. Since stepping up to the starting lineup just four games ago, he has averaged 24.3 points per game and made 21 three-pointers. This remarkable feat filled the shooting gap long felt by stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, providing the Lakers with much-needed offensive firepower.
James supported the effort with strong contributions of his own, tallying 26 points and 12 assists. Anthony Davis complemented their performance with his typical dominance on the boards, recording 14 rebounds alongside 26 points. Austin Reaves added 17 points to round out significant contributions from the starting five.
On the losing end of the match, the Jazz faced their third consecutive defeat, with Lauri Markkanen leading their efforts with 25 points. Despite Keyonte George's ten points in the fourth quarter, the Jazz were unable to close the gap significantly, presenting another tough night for the young, rebuilding team.
To add to the storyline, Knecht's nine three-pointers tied the rookie record shared with Rodrigue Beaubois (2010), Yogi Ferrell (2017), and Utah's Keyonte George (2024). His spectacular shooting run not only made waves within the game but also left lasting impressions on fans and commentators alike.
Knecht's rising star status within the Lakers is undeniable. The rookie's remarkable ability to get open has proven to be invaluable, particularly against teams trying to defend James and Davis. This trend seems set to continue as Knecht has rapidly become one of the most reliable scoring threats on the team, relieving some of the pressure off of the seasoned superstars.
After the game, Knecht reflected on the night's thrill, stating, "It was incredible to see the ball go through the net like it did. My teammates were finding me, and I was just trying to do my job to help us win." This mindset expresses the humility and readiness to learn from his new teammates, showcasing what makes him not only impressive on the court but also admirable off it.
The Lakers are riding high with this current surge and will look to maintain momentum as they head to the next game against the Orlando Magic on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Jazz aim to regroup before their visit to San Antonio to finish their four-game road trip.
With the Lakers' consistent growth and Knecht's eye-popping performances, the expectations keep climbing. Fans are excited, analysts are buzzing, and the league is taking notice of this rookie who is increasingly redefining what it means to be part of the storied Los Angeles Lakers franchise.
The atmosphere at the game, filled with chants and cheers for Knecht, created one of those magical NBA moments. It’s nights like this where legends are born and where the seeds for future championship runs are planted. For Dalton Knecht, Tuesday was just the beginning.
