The Los Angeles Lakers’ rookie sensation, Dalton Knecht, delivered a jaw-dropping performance on Tuesday night, scoring 37 points and hitting nine three-pointers to lead his team to a thrilling 124-118 victory over the Utah Jazz. In just his fourth game as a starter, Knecht tied the NBA’s single-game rookie record for three-pointers, leaving fans and analysts questioning how this sharpshooter fell to the Lakers at the 17th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
A Historic Night in Los Angeles
Knecht’s explosive performance electrified the Crypto.com Arena as he buried four consecutive threes in the third quarter, invoking memories of Michael Jordan’s iconic “shrug” celebration from the 1992 NBA Finals. When asked about his celebration, Knecht credited teammate Rui Hachimura for suggesting he develop a signature move.
“I didn’t know what to do, so I just gave the shrug,” Knecht said with a smile after the game.
DALTON KNECHT HAD HIMSELF A NIGHT:
37 PTS (career high)
9 3PM (ties rookie record)
Scored 22 straight for LA@Lakers move 2-0 in #EmiratesNBACup play and are undefeated going back to last season pic.twitter.com/OjMOeKxY4p— NBA (@NBA) November 20, 2024
His show-stopping night included 21 points in the third quarter alone, during which he scored 21 consecutive points for the Lakers. Knecht added another three-pointer early in the fourth, giving Los Angeles a commanding lead they never relinquished. Despite not scoring again after his hot streak, the rookie’s stellar shooting set the tone for the Lakers’ sixth consecutive victory.
Team Reactions and Chemistry
Anthony Davis, who contributed significantly on both ends of the court, was effusive in his praise for Knecht’s performance.
“He was phenomenal tonight,” Davis said. “When you’re hot like that, he’s special to watch. Anytime he’s shooting the ball like that, it definitely gives us energy.”
Even first-year head coach J.J. Redick, a renowned sharpshooter during his playing days, was visibly impressed by Knecht’s ability to enter the elusive “flow state.”
“It’s the flow state,” Redick explained. “You’re not thinking. Everything is perfectly in balance, and the ball feels weightless. It feels like everything is going to go in.”
Immediate Impact as a Starter
Since being inserted into the starting lineup, Knecht has thrived, averaging 24.3 points per game while shooting an astounding 67.7% (21-for-31) from beyond the arc. For a Lakers team that has long searched for a consistent catch-and-shoot option to complement stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Knecht’s emergence has been a revelation.
“His shot-making gets us going,” Redick said. “It’s a real weapon for our group. Beyond just the score, it’s a weapon that energizes us.”
A Steal in the Draft
Knecht’s rapid rise is causing NBA front offices to second-guess their decisions during the draft. Despite a standout collegiate career, including a senior season at Tennessee where he averaged 21.7 points and earned SEC Player of the Year honors, Knecht fell to the Lakers due to concerns about his age (23) and defensive capabilities.
LeBron James expressed disbelief at how Knecht was still available when the Lakers picked at No. 17.
“I did not think he was going to fall to us,” James admitted. “I thought it would be impossible. I have no idea how that happened, but I’m very grateful and very happy that he’s here.”
A Rookie on a Mission
Knecht’s journey to the NBA was anything but conventional. After starting his college career at a junior college, he transferred to Northern Colorado before playing his final year at Tennessee. His rise to prominence is a testament to his perseverance and work ethic, and his record-tying performance against Utah is just the latest chapter in his remarkable story.
“I just got in a groove,” Knecht said humbly. “My teammates found me, and they were looking for me every time. They made it easy for me. I just had to get open and get the shot up.”
Looking Ahead
The Lakers are off to a strong 10-4 start, their best in years, and his emergence as a key rotation player has been instrumental. With his shooting prowess and ability to perform in high-pressure moments, Knecht has quickly become a fan favorite and a vital piece of the Lakers’ success.
For a team aiming to contend for a championship, Knecht’s development could be the missing piece to unlock their full potential. The Lakers’ upcoming schedule will test their newfound chemistry, but with Knecht firing on all cylinders, the team appears poised for a deep playoff run.
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