The Los Angeles Lakers played against the Utah Jazz in their most recent NBA Cup game. They came out victorious in this matchup against the Jazz, going 2-0 in the Cup tournament. Their 1st win came against the Memphis Grizzlies a few days ago. However, it was Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht who stole the show against the Jazz side.
Ever since the Lakers drafted Knech as their 17th overall pick this 2024 NBA Draft, he has shown no signs of stopping. He remains one of the best additions to the Lakers side. His recent showings against the Utah Jazz stunned his teammates, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Interestingly, during the last play of the 3rd quarter, Knecht scored a brilliant 3-pointer and brought out the famous ‘MJ Shrug’ celebration.
This brought out wild reactions from James and Davis. In 38 minutes of action, Knecht scored 37 points, pulled down four rebounds, and stole one steal while shooting 12/16 from the field and 9/12 from three-point range. Knecht has been excellent, scoring 24.3 points per game and making 21 three-pointers. He has been their go-to man for the catch-and-shoot type of play, that was long lacked by Davis and James.
Dalton Knecht is already looking like the guy we saw at Tennessee. Gets hot and can’t be stopped from anywhere.
Scored over 25 points 12 times last season in college. Already done it twice with the Lakers. Clearly already has the trust and respect of LeBron, AD, and Redick. pic.twitter.com/LOsfXokgC1
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) November 20, 2024
This was his third straight start in the Lakers lineup, replacing an injured Rui Hachimura and injured center Jaxson Hayes. Aside from this, the Lakers advanced to 7-0 at home thanks to 26 points and 12 assists from LeBron James and 26 points and 14 rebounds from Davis. The reigning NBA Cup champions went to 2-0 in group play this season with Austin Reaves contributing 17 points as well.
Dalton Knecht made NBA history against the Jazz during NBA Cup game
Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knech has been on fire in the NBA in his rookie season. However, his best-ever performance came on Tuesday night against the Utah Jazz. Along with scoring 37 points against them, he also made NBA history in the process. Knecht did not break one, but he broke two (tied one) NBA records.
Dalton Knecht scored a career-high 37 points and tied the NBA’s single-game rookie record with nine 3-pointers. Knecht is also the only rookie since Blake Griffin to have 35+ PTS, 0 TOV, and 75+ FG%. This showcases his top-notch quality at such a young age in the NBA. The Lakers well and truly struck gold with his addition to their roster.
Dalton Knecht tonight:
37 PTS (21 in 3Q)
5 REB
0 TOV
12-16 FG
9-12 3P (T-Most ever by a rookie)The first rookie with 35+ PTS, 0 TOV and 75+ FG% since Blake Griffin. pic.twitter.com/tzMvOSjX1D
— StatMuse (@statmuse) November 20, 2024
The star rookie finished the third quarter against the Jazz with 21 points. This was the fourth-highest scoring quarter for a player this season. Also, the most by a rookie in the NBA. Up next for Knecht and the Lakers is the Orlando Magic at the Crypto.com Arena.
