Dalton Knecht shines in historic performance, cementing Rookie of the Year credentials
Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht is making waves in the NBA, highlighted by a historic 37-point performance against the Utah Jazz.
From setting records to earning praise from NBA legends like LeBron James, Knecht’s impact on the court has been undeniable. With each game, he continues to prove that his place among the league’s brightest rookies is well-earned.
Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo reports on how Knecht has emerged as a key player and a serious contender for the Rookie of the Year award.
An impressive showing
Dalton Knecht’s meteoric rise has captivated the NBA, with the Los Angeles Lakers rookie delivering a historic 37-point performance against the Utah Jazz.
In just 14 games, the sharpshooting forward has gone from a draft steal to a key player, rewriting records and solidifying his place in the Rookie of the Year conversation.
Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht is proving to be one of the steals of the 2024 NBA Draft.
On Tuesday night, he delivered a breathtaking performance against the Utah Jazz, scoring 37 points in a 124-118 victory at the Crypto.com Arena.
Amongst the stars
Knecht's dazzling display not only propelled the Lakers to their sixth consecutive win but also rewrote the history books and thrust him into the forefront of the NBA Rookie of the Year conversation.
Knecht’s performance was nothing short of historic. The six-foot-six sharpshooter set a Lakers rookie record with nine made three-pointers, tying the NBA’s single-game rookie record in the process.
Scoring 22 consecutive points in the third quarter for the Lakers, he became only the second rookie to lead a LeBron James-led team in scoring during a game in which James played.
Knecht also etched his name alongside Kobe Bryant, becoming just the second Laker since 1997-98 to score 22 straight points in a game.
READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton admits he nearly quit Mercedes after disastrous Brazilian GP
Steady ascent, sudden impact
Utah Jazz head coach Will Hardy acknowledged the rookie's brilliance but lamented his team’s defensive lapses.
"It seemed like everybody in the gym knew Dalton Knecht was going to shoot the next shot, with the exception of a few people … the problem was that those few people were on our team," Hardy quipped after the game.
Knecht’s breakout performance didn’t come out of nowhere. Drafted 17th overall by the Lakers out of the University of Tennessee, he has been steadily growing into his role.
His recent surge began with a 27-point game against the New Orleans Pelicans just days earlier, and he has flourished in the starting lineup with Rui Hachimura sidelined due to injury.
Averaging 11.3 points per game this season, Knecht’s ability to knock down contested shots and space the floor has provided the Lakers with a dynamic scoring option they haven’t seen since their 2020 championship run.
Fueled by high praise
LeBron James, always quick to recognise potential, praised the rookie's impact.
"All the other teams in the league messed up not getting Dalton Knecht," James said postgame. "Did anybody watch him?" His endorsement underscores Knecht’s growing importance to the Lakers, as his shooting and confidence have brought a new dimension to their offence.
Austin Reaves, another key Lakers player, also played a role in Knecht’s success. The rookie credited Reaves with giving him advice early in the season that resonated deeply: "Be yourself and play your game."
That encouragement has paid dividends, as Knecht now looks more comfortable with each passing game.
Beyond his scoring, Knecht’s performance is reshaping expectations. NBA analysts are already calling his acquisition a "transformational moment" for the Lakers.
With Hachimura’s return on the horizon, head coach JJ Redick may face a tough decision—does Knecht remain a starter, or does he return to a bench role?
Either way, his future in Los Angeles looks bright.
As Knecht continues to stack impressive performances, the Rookie of the Year race is heating up. If he maintains his current trajectory, the rookie may not just be a valuable addition to the Lakers but a cornerstone for their future.
For now, one thing is certain—Dalton Knecht has arrived, and the NBA is taking notice.
READ NEXT: UFC Fight Night betting tips: Yan to finish Figuerido late; Ulberg to own Oezdemir
