Los Angeles, LA—-Dalton Knecht delivered a historic performance by tying the NBA’s rookie single-game record with nine 3-pointers, finishing with a career-high 37 points, as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz 124-118 on Tuesday night. This win marked the Lakers’ sixth consecutive victory, continuing their perfect record at home, where they are now 7-0.
LeBron James poured 26 points and 12 assists, while Anthony Davis added 26 points and 14 rebounds. Austin Reaves also chipped in with 17 points. The Lakers’ victory improved their group play record to 2-0 this season, and it was their first six-game winning streak since February 2021, just after their championship run in the NBA bubble.
The Jazz, who have now lost three straight games, were led by Lauri Markkanen’s 25 points. Keyonte George came alive in the fourth quarter, scoring 10 of his 18 points, while Collin Sexton added nine of his 19 points in the final period. The Jazz were also without Rui Hachimura, who missed his third consecutive game due to a sprained ankle. Additionally, Bronny James was sidelined with a bruised heel.
Key Takeaways Of The Game:
Lakers: Dalton Knecht has been on fire since being inserted into the starting lineup four games ago, averaging 24.3 points per game and sinking 21 3-pointers in that span. His perimeter shooting has provided the Lakers with a consistent long-range threat, something they had been missing alongside LeBron and Davis.
Key Moment Of The Game:
Knecht put on a spectacular display in the third quarter, hitting four straight 3-pointers and exciting the crowd. He scored 21 points in the period, and his ninth 3-pointer early in the fourth quarter pushed the Lakers’ lead to 25 points. While Knecht didn’t score again after that, the Jazz mounted a comeback, trimming the deficit in the final minutes.
Jazz: Despite a strong push in the fourth quarter, highlighted by a 43-point outburst, Utah was unable to overcome the Lakers’ early lead. The game was also marred by a flagrant foul from John Collins, who struck Davis in the groin.
Key Stat:
Knecht’s nine 3-pointers tied the NBA rookie record, previously set by Rodrigue Beaubois in 2010, Yogi Ferrell in 2017, and Utah’s own Keyonte George earlier this season.
Up Next:
Jazz:Utah will wrap up their four-game road trip with a visit to San Antonio on Thursday.
Lakers:Los Angeles will host the Orlando Magic on Thursday.
