LOS ANGELES — In an exciting NBA matchup, Dalton Knecht made history by matching the record for the most three-pointers by a rookie in a single game, sinking nine shots from beyond the arc while posting a personal best of 37 points. This performance helped propel the Los Angeles Lakers to a 124-118 victory over the Utah Jazz, marking their sixth consecutive win of the season.
LeBron James contributed significantly, scoring 26 points and dishing out 12 assists, while Anthony Davis tallied 26 points and secured 14 rebounds. With this win, the Lakers improved their home record to an impressive 7-0, enhancing their performance in the current group play with a 2-0 standing. This marks an impressive turnaround for the team, as they hadn’t enjoyed such a streak since February 2021, shortly following their championship victory in the Florida bubble.
For the Jazz, Lauri Markkanen led the scoring with 25 points. Despite a valiant effort from Keyonte George, who netted 18 points including 10 in the fourth quarter, and Collin Sexton who added 19 points, the team faced their third consecutive loss. Missing from action for the Lakers were Rui Hachimura, who is sidelined due to a sprained ankle, and Bronny James, recovering from a bruised heel.
Highlighting the Jazz’s struggles, John Collins made headlines for a flagrant foul during the game that struck Davis in the groin. Though the Jazz rallied in the fourth quarter with a strong 43-point performance, it proved to be too little too late.
Knecht’s exceptional form has added a new dynamic to the Lakers’ game since he stepped into the starting lineup four games ago, averaging an impressive 24.3 points per game, including hitting 21 three-pointers. His ability as a catch-and-shoot player has filled a notable void for both James and Davis, giving the team a significant boost.
A pivotal moment in the game occurred when Knecht hit four consecutive three-pointers during the third quarter, electrifying the crowd and helping him score 21 points in that period alone. Despite his explosive performance, after hitting his ninth three-pointer that extended LA’s lead to 25 early in the fourth quarter, he was unable to score again as the Jazz made a late-game push to close the gap.
Notably, Knecht’s achievement ties him for the single-game rookie three-pointer record, joining the ranks of Rodrigue Beaubois (2010), Yogi Ferrell (2017), and Keyonte George from Utah (2024).
Looking ahead, the Jazz will visit San Antonio on Thursday to conclude their four-game road trip, while the Lakers will be hosting the Orlando team on the same day.