Dalton Knecht, the Los Angeles Lakers' rookie guard, stunned basketball fans on November 19, 2024, with his jaw-dropping performance against the Utah Jazz. Knecht scored 37 points, tying the NBA rookie record for the most three-pointers made in a single game with nine, leading the Lakers to a hard-fought 124-118 victory. With such numbers, it’s no wonder the excitement surrounding him has grown exponentially.
But numbers alone don’t tell the whole story. The way Knecht achieved this feat was astonishing. During the game, he went on a scorching run, scoring 22 consecutive points, primarily from beyond the arc, with the Lakers' stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, resting on the bench. His confidence was palpable and his shot accuracy was astonishing, going 12-for-16 overall and connecting 9 of 12 attempts from three-point range. Knecht also made four out of five free throws.
Over just five minutes of action, he dominated the rhythm of the game. With the crowd at Crypto.com Arena electrified, Knecht’s performance not only helped his team extend their winning streak but also solidified his place as one of the most promising rookies of the season.
His historic night didn’t just draw praise from fans and analysts; even his teammates recognized the significance of his accomplishments. Anthony Davis remarked on Knecht’s ability to ignite the team when he’s hot, stating, "When you're hot like he was, he’s special to watch. Anytime he’s shooting the ball like that's going, it definitely gives us energy." Knecht’s contribution came during a time when the Lakers needed it most, as they work through their NBA Cup group games.
All this attention begs the question: Who exactly is Dalton Knecht? The answer paints the picture of someone who has risen to prominence. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 215 pounds, the Thornton, Colorado native first made waves at the University of Tennessee, where he was named the SEC Player of the Year and earned consensus first-team All-American honors during his final season. His college career boasted impressive stats, averaging 21.7 points after transferring from Northern Colorado, where he had previously dominated the courts.
Lakers secured the young gun as their 17th overall pick during the 2024 NBA Draft, proving to be quite the steal according to figures like LeBron James, who passionately noted after the game, "They didn't 'find' DK. The other 16 teams messed it up! Did anyone even watch him? You don't 'find' a SEC player of the year." Knecht’s value was obvious to many, but his arrival in Los Angeles feels like destiny. James, excited about Knecht’s addition to the team, expressed disbelief at how he slipped through the cracks of other teams, saying, “I have no idea how it happened.”
With each three-pointer Knecht dropped, he not only tied the rookie record but also entered the conversation of being one of the future stars of the league. Knecht’s nine three-pointers matched the record previously set by Keyonte George of the Utah Jazz, Yogi Ferrell of the Dallas Mavericks, and Rodrigue Beaubois, also from the Mavericks. Knecht demonstrated this prowess during the decisive third quarter, where he went 6-for-6 from three-point range, lifting the Lakers' lead from modest to substantial.
It was not just the long-range shots, though, with the rookie also earning praise for his overall game. By the end of the evening, Knecht managed to grab five rebounds and was efficient with the ball, registering no turnovers—a significant stat for any young player. His moonlighting as the main offensive cog caught quite the eye, and his energy on the court was contagious.
After the game, Knecht humorously remarked on his performance, saying, “I just got in the groove. My teammates found me, and they were looking for me every time. They made it easy for me.” His humility and focus on teamwork reflect the spirit of the Lakers franchise, embodying the hard work ethic they aim to uphold each season.
Boasting not only impressive shooting skills but also the character to back it up, Knecht’s run with the Lakers is already full of high points. Coach JJ Redick, who himself had moments of glory as a sharpshooter during his NBA career, spoke glowingly about Knecht’s fearless nature. Redick said, "I’m not concerned at all with Dalton meeting the moment. He’s fearless. It’s not just about scoring; his shot-making is a real weapon for our group. It energizes us."
The dynamics of the game shifted dramatically after Knecht’s scoring rally against the Jazz. At one point, the Lakers saw their lead swell to over 20 points, marking one of the most impressive individual bursts of the season. His ability to inject life and points when needed showed the potential he holds—not just for himself but for the entire franchise moving forward.
What does this mean for Knecht and Lakers moving forward? First and foremost, he is expected to continue this level of performance. Since entering the starting lineup, driven by injuries among teammates, Knecht has been averaging about 26 points on 63.6% shooting overall. His three-point accuracy has been equally staggering, hovering around 61.5%, which is significantly above average compared to the league’s best.
His recent performances indicate he could make this kind of scoring output not only frequent but perhaps even routine. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see if Knecht can consistently hit these marks night after night. There’s anticipation around how these developments will affect team dynamics as key players return from injury. How will dynamics shift once the likes of Hachimura return to the court? Knecht’s entrance as both shooter and player with high potential adds intrigue to the team's strategy moving forward.
His ability to score from three-point range has made him not just another shooter on the roster but rather someone who demands attention from defenders. Knecht’s growth as part of this franchise is something to be seen and how he melds with superstars like James and Davis will be pivotal. The Lakers are hoping this stellar showing is just the beginning, as Knecht’s record-tying feat augurs positively for what fans can expect from him this season and beyond.
Finally, as the Lakers play through this season and work their way through the challenges thrown their way, immediately following Knecht’s remarkable performance is the time to reflect how this rookie has already laid down what it means to be part of the storied franchise. If his first few games are any indication, NBA fans should buckle up for what Knecht will bring to the court moving forward. He certainly seems to be building something special.
