Dalton Knecht’s Historic Night Propels Lakers Past Jazz, 124-118
Wednesday, November 20, 2024, 1:09 AM PST
Pic credits: NBA
In a thrilling performance at Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht delivered a career night, tying the NBA single-game rookie record with nine three-pointers and scoring 37 points to lead his team to a 124-118 victory over the Utah Jazz. The win marked the Lakers’ sixth consecutive victory, extending their unbeaten streak at home to 7-0 and keeping them undefeated in NBA Cup group play.
Knecht’s shooting spree, which included 21 points in the third quarter alone, electrified the crowd and underscored his emergence as a vital piece of the Lakers’ roster. With contributions from LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves, the Lakers maintained their dominant form, while the struggling Jazz suffered their third straight loss despite a late-game surge.
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Dalton Knecht’s Record-Tying Performance Stuns Utah
Dalton Knecht, a rookie sensation, stole the show on Tuesday night with a historic performance. The 23-year-old sharpshooter went 9-for-14 from beyond the arc, tying the NBA rookie record for three-pointers made in a single game. His 37 points were a career high, further solidifying his role as a catch-and-shoot weapon for the Lakers.
Knecht was unstoppable in the third quarter, knocking down threes on four consecutive possessions and scoring 21 of his points in that frame alone. His hot shooting pushed the Lakers’ lead to 25 early in the fourth quarter, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
“I felt like every shot I took was going in,” Knecht said postgame. “Credit to my teammates for finding me in rhythm, especially LeBron and AD. It’s surreal to tie the rookie record, but I’m just focused on helping this team win.”
Knecht now shares the rookie three-point record with Rodrigue Beaubois (2010), Yogi Ferrell (2017), and Utah’s own Keyonte George, who set the record earlier this season.
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LeBron James and Anthony Davis Deliver Vintage Performances
While Knecht’s breakout game grabbed headlines, LeBron James and Anthony Davis were instrumental in securing the Lakers’ victory.
– LeBron James: 26 points, 12 assists
– Anthony Davis: 26 points, 14 rebounds
James orchestrated the Lakers’ offense with his precision passing, finishing with 12 assists, including several to Knecht for open three-pointers. Davis dominated the paint on both ends, complementing his scoring with a strong rebounding effort.
“Dalton was incredible tonight, and it’s amazing to see a young guy like him step up,” James said. “We’ve been building great chemistry as a team, and this win shows what we’re capable of when everyone plays their role.”
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Austin Reaves Steps Up, Lakers Continue Home Dominance
Austin Reaves provided a steady scoring presence with 17 points, including clutch buckets to counter Utah’s late-game push. The Lakers, now 7-0 at home, haven’t enjoyed such a strong start on their home court since their championship run in 2020-2021.
“This team is clicking right now,” said Reaves. “Dalton’s been a spark for us, and having guys like Bron and AD leading the way makes it easier for everyone to play their best.”
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Jazz Struggle Despite Late Surge
Utah showed resilience in the fourth quarter, scoring 43 points and cutting the Lakers’ lead to single digits after trailing by as much as 25.
– Lauri Markkanen: 25 points
– Keyonte George: 18 points (10 in the fourth quarter)
– Collin Sexton: 19 points (9 in the fourth quarter)
The Jazz relied heavily on Markkanen, who led the team in scoring, and rookie Keyonte George, who shone in the final period. However, their efforts weren’t enough to overcome the early deficit.
“We fought hard in the fourth quarter, but we need to play with that intensity for the full 48 minutes,” said Markkanen. “Credit to the Lakers—they hit tough shots all night, especially Knecht.”
John Collins’ flagrant foul on Anthony Davis in the third quarter added to the Jazz’s frustrations on an otherwise challenging night.
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Key Stats from the Game
Los Angeles Lakers
– Dalton Knecht: 37 points, 9-for-14 three-point shooting
– LeBron James: 26 points, 12 assists
– Anthony Davis: 26 points, 14 rebounds
– Austin Reaves: 17 points
Utah Jazz
– Lauri Markkanen: 25 points
– Keyonte George: 18 points, 6 assists
– Collin Sexton: 19 points
Team Statistics
– Lakers’ Three-Point Shooting: 18-for-36 (50%)
– Jazz’s Three-Point Shooting: 12-for-33 (36%)
– Rebounds: Lakers 48, Jazz 41
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Post-Game Reactions
Darvin Ham (Lakers Head Coach):
“Dalton has been phenomenal since stepping into the starting lineup. His shooting is exactly what we’ve been missing, and his confidence is infectious. Tonight was a team win, and we’re starting to see what this group can achieve together.”
Will Hardy (Jazz Head Coach):
“We showed some fight in the fourth, but we have to stop putting ourselves in such deep holes early in games. The Lakers played a great game, and Knecht’s shooting was the difference-maker.”
Anthony Davis:
“Knecht’s been lights out. The way he spaces the floor opens everything up for me and Bron to operate. It’s exciting to see a rookie step into such a big role and thrive.”
LeBron when asked: What was the best part of tonight? “Watching DK go crazy”
Dalton Knecht when asked:
When did Knecht realize he was in the ‘flow state’ tonight?
“The first shot.”
Keyonte George (Jazz Rookie):
“Dalton had an incredible game. As a fellow rookie, it’s inspiring to see him perform at that level. We’ll bounce back from this.”
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Looking Ahead
The Lakers, riding a six-game winning streak, will host the Orlando Magic on Thursday as they aim to extend their dominance at home. With Knecht’s shooting and the leadership of James and Davis, the Lakers are shaping up as a formidable contender in the Western Conference.
The Jazz, now 5-8, continue their road trip with a visit to San Antonio on Thursday. As they rebuild around young talent like Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen, Utah will look to address their defensive struggles and regain their footing.
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Conclusion: A Historic Night for Dalton Knecht and the Lakers
Dalton Knecht’s record-tying performance marked a milestone in what could be a breakout season for the Lakers’ rookie. His shooting, combined with strong performances from LeBron James and Anthony Davis, secured a hard-fought win and extended the Lakers’ winning streak.
For Utah, the game highlighted the challenges of a rebuilding team but also showcased their potential with young stars like Keyonte George stepping up. Both teams leave Crypto.com Arena with lessons learned, but it’s the Lakers who continue to shine as they climb the Western Conference standings.
DALTON KNECHT HAD HIMSELF A NIGHT:
— NBA (@NBA) November 20, 2024
🔥 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
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