Lakers’ Rookie Sharpshooter Makes History: Dalton Knecht’s 37-Point Explosion Ties NBA Record
In a dazzling display of sharpshooting that lit up Crypto.com Arena, Dalton Knecht proved why he might be the steal of the 2024 NBA Draft. The Los Angeles Lakers rookie tied an NBA record with nine 3-pointers in a single game, leading his team to a 124-118 victory over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night.
Knecht’s career-high 37 points came on an incredibly efficient 12-of-16 shooting, including a red-hot 9-of-12 from beyond the arc. The performance wasn’t just impressive—it was historic. The rookie tied the single-game record for 3-pointers by a first-year player, joining an elite club that includes Keyonte George, Yogi Ferrell, and Rodrigue Beaubois.
“When he shoots, you expect it to go in,” said Anthony Davis, who contributed 26 points and 14 rebounds in the win. Davis has been pushing the rookie to shoot more, believing in Knecht’s potential to be “a great player.”
The Lakers’ victory, their sixth straight, showcased the perfect partnership between their veterans and their rising star. LeBron James orchestrated the offense with 26 points and 12 assists, while Knecht provided the scoring punch that the Lakers have desperately needed.
In the third quarter, Knecht enthralled the crowd with four consecutive 3-pointers. He poured in 21 points in that quarter alone, helping the Lakers build a commanding lead that reached 25 points early in the fourth.
What makes Knecht’s achievement even more remarkable is its timing. While the previous record-holders set their marks deep into their rookie seasons, Knecht has accomplished this feat less than a month into his NBA career. It’s a testament to his immediate impact and readiness for the big stage.
At 23 years old, Knecht was considered “too old” by some teams during the draft process, causing him to slip down the board. The Lakers, however, saw exactly what they needed: a deadly shooter to space the floor around their superstar duo of James and Davis. In just his fourth start, Knecht has more than justified their faith in him.
The rookie’s emergence has been steady but impressive. Prior to this breakthrough performance, he demonstrated moments of exceptional skill, such as a remarkable three-game run in which he scored 19 points against the Memphis Grizzlies, 14 against the Spurs, and 27 against the Pelicans.
Under first-year head coach JJ Redick, the Lakers have surged to a 9-4 start, defying preseason skeptics who questioned their playoff chances. Knecht’s development has been a key factor in their success, providing the team with much-needed perimeter shooting—addressing their 24th-ranked three-point shooting from last season.
As the Lakers continue their promising start to the 2024-25 season, Knecht’s record-tying performance signals the arrival of a key piece in their championship pursuit. For a team that struggled to find consistent outside shooting, the rookie’s emergence couldn’t have come at a better time.
The Lakers will look to extend their winning streak when they host Orlando on Thursday, while basketball fans everywhere will be watching to see what their sharpshooting rookie does next.
Key Statistics:
- Career-high 37 points
- 9-of-12 from a three-point range.
- 5 rebounds, 0 turnovers
- Team’s sixth consecutive victory
- Lakers improve to 7-0 at home.
Knecht’s historic night proves that sometimes the best draft picks aren’t about potential—they’re about finding the right player for the right team at the right time. Everything appears to be perfectly aligned for the Lakers and their rookie sharpshooter.