He’s seizing the chance with increased playing time.
Good morning, this is Dan Gartland. My eyes might still be recovering from the Celtics’ intensely green court.
In today’s SI:AM:
Cavs still hopeful despite losses
Jets undergo another meltdown
It’s time for Rodgers to call it quits
Lighting Up the Court
The NBA has no shortage of glitz and glamour, especially in Los Angeles where the stars have watched legends like Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James grace the hardwood. However, on Tuesday night, the spotlight was all on rookie Dalton Knecht.
Knecht dazzled with 37 points on 12-of-16 shooting, including a stunning 9-of-12 from beyond the arc, in the Lakers’ 124-118 victory over the Utah Jazz. His nine three-pointers matched the record for most threes in a game by a rookie and were tied for the second most in a game in Lakers history, just behind Bryant’s record of 12. He also became the first Lakers rookie to score at least 35 points in a game since Kyle Kuzma in 2017.
Throughout the game, Knecht’s confidence soared. He started off with simple catch-and-shoot threes from passes kicked out when the Utah defense focused on more prominent Lakers. By the final quarter, the Jazz prioritized him defensively, but Knecht remained cool, pulling up for deep shots and making some off the dribble.
When Knecht hit his seventh three-pointer, he gave a Michael Jordan-esque shrug, a gesture that seemed more about his own disbelief than any intention to boast.
“You can’t leave him,” Anthony Davis said. “There are many plays we can run to either get him the shot or make the defense think he’s about to shoot, which really scrambles their setup. It’s a big help when you’ve got shooters around. LeBron and I can handle the post, and having that kind of threat from the perimeter means we’re less likely to be double-teamed.”
The Lakers selected Knecht 17th overall in this year’s draft following his standout season as the SEC Player of the Year at Tennessee. Despite only one major college basketball season, his performance was so compelling that LeBron himself noted that the other 16 teams that passed on Knecht made a huge mistake. Unlike typical rookies, Knecht was one of only three fifth-year seniors taken in the first round this year. He started his college journey at Northeastern Junior College, followed by two seasons at Northern Colorado, before exploding onto the scene at Tennessee.
Initially, Knecht didn’t see much action in the NBA, averaging just 6.1 points in 16.9 minutes across his first ten games. However, he showed glimpses of his scoring potential with an 18-point explosion in the fourth quarter of a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Recently, he’s been a key player, averaging 24.3 points in 33 minutes over the last four games and starting the last three after Rui Hachimura’s injury.
In today’s NBA, three-point shooting is invaluable. As Davis pointed out, having strong shooters like Knecht on the perimeter allows him and James to exploit more opportunities near the basket. While the Lakers remain primarily James and Davis’s team, Knecht’s sharpshooting provides them with additional offensive strategies.
Highlights from Sports Illustrated
- Conor Orr criticizes the Jets for their decision to fire general manager Joe Douglas and discusses the challenges of their upcoming rebuild.
- Albert Breer suggests that Jets owner Woody Johnson should reconsider his role in the team’s persistent failures.
- Gilberto Manzano states it’s time for Aaron Rodgers to retire following his stint in New York.
- Manzano also assesses the Eagles’ real threat level to the Lions in the NFC.
- Matt Verderame analyzes Josh Allen’s crucial touchdown against the Chiefs that secured the game.
- Chris Mannix argues that despite their loss to the Celtics, the Cavaliers have proven they are legitimate contenders in the East.
- Michael Fabiano offers his weekly fantasy football Start ’Em, Sit ’Em advice for quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends.
Top Five Moments
… moments I witnessed last night:
5. Chris Paul’s crucial three-pointer in the Spurs’ victory over the Thunder.
4. Leon Draisaitl’s precise goal through the five-hole.
3. Tre Mann’s emphatic dunk over Noah Clowney.
2. Evan Bouchard’s exceptional stick-handling leading to a goal.
1. Keldon Johnson’s ankle-breaking crossover that floored Aaron Wiggins.
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Jordan Harper brings the world of sports to life with passionate storytelling and insightful analysis. From local matches to international tournaments, Jordan captures the spirit of competition in every piece.
