Introduction

In an electrifying performance, Los Angeles Lakers rookie guard Dalton Knecht exploded for 37 points and tied the NBA rookie record by sinking nine 3-pointers in a thrilling 124-118 victory over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night. This remarkable feat had NBA fans buzzing and raised questions about how Knecht, who had an All-American senior season at the University of Tennessee, fell to the Lakers at the No. 17 pick in the draft.

LeBron James's Reaction

LeBron James, who contributed significantly to the win with 26 points and 12 assists, was quick to express his disbelief that Knecht was overlooked by the first 16 teams in the draft. "They didn’t ‘find’ DK," James exclaimed, highlighting the oversight of other franchises. "Did anybody watch him? They just didn’t get it right. You don’t overlook an SEC player of the year."

Knecht's Explosive Performance

As the game progressed, Knecht lit up the Crypto.com Arena, particularly in the third quarter, where he scored an astonishing 21 points in just 3:29, turning an 11-point lead into a commanding 22-point advantage for the Lakers. With the crowd roaring, Knecht sank four consecutive 3-pointers, three of which came courtesy of assists from teammate D'Angelo Russell. His impressive shooting display built palpable excitement among the fans who were on the edge of their seats.

Drawing Fouls and Free Throws

Knecht wasn't just focused on making 3-pointers; he drew a foul from Utah's Cody Williams beyond the arc, allowing him to convert on all three free throw attempts. To cap off the quarter, he hit yet another 3-pointer with only 26.3 seconds left, finishing the third quarter with a perfect 6-for-6 record from deep.

Overall Performance

In total, Knecht shot 12-of-16 from the field and notched five rebounds and a steal during the game. Lakers head coach JJ Redick praised the rookie's fearlessness, saying, "I’m not concerned at all with Dalton in terms of meeting the moment. It’s a real weapon for our group beyond just the score. It energizes us."

Record-Breaking Moment

Knecht now shares the record for most 3-pointers made in a single game by a rookie alongside players like Keyonte George and Yogi Ferrell. The young star paid homage to basketball legends with a classic Michael Jordan shrug after hitting his ninth 3-pointer, a moment he cherished despite being born long after that iconic gesture was first made.

Lakers History and Team Dynamics

He joins an elite group of Lakers players, becoming the fourth in franchise history to hit at least nine 3-pointers in a game, alongside notable names like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James himself. The win marked the Lakers' sixth consecutive victory, as they continued their strong start in the NBA Cup group stage.

Teammates' Praise

Fellow teammate Anthony Davis chimed in on Knecht’s shooting prowess: "We just urge him to shoot the basketball. He’s really good at it, and we get mad at him when he doesn’t." Since stepping into the starting lineup in place of the injured Rui Hachimura, Knecht has averaged an impressive 26 points per game while shooting an eye-popping 61.5% from beyond the arc.

Conclusion

With performances like this, Dalton Knecht is not just making a name for himself; he’s showing that he’s a player to watch as the Lakers strive for success this season. Can he maintain this momentum as the challenges of the NBA season heat up? Fans will certainly be watching closely!