Rookie out of Tennessee shines with an emphatic 35-point performance.
Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht shined Thursday, dropping 35 points in a thrilling 128-122 overtime win over the Suns in a preseason showdown.
Knecht dominated down the stretch, scoring 20 of the Lakers’ last 22 points. He started with a free throw with 1:23 left and followed with two consecutive three-pointers to tie the game at 111-111, sending it into overtime.
In the extra frame, Knecht stayed red-hot, hitting three more deep shots and driving for a layup to secure the win. His performance was key in turning the game around after the Lakers trailed late in regulation.
Selected 17th overall in this year’s NBA Draft out of Tennessee, the 23-year-old rookie tied Anthony Davis for a game-high 35 points. He also contributed seven rebounds, two steals, and shot 8-for-13 from beyond the arc in just 31 minutes off the bench.
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Lakers head coach JJ Redick continued his high praise for rookie Dalton Knecht, reinforcing his earlier statement about Knecht being among the elite shooters in the NBA. Redick described Knecht’s shooting performance as “supernatural,” emphasizing the young guard’s exceptional abilities.
“Reggie [Miller] and I were talking before the game, and he said, ‘It’s high praise to say he’s in the top 1% of shooters …’ Well, nah, he’s in the top 1%. … That was supernatural what he just did,” Redick said, referencing a conversation with TNT analyst Reggie Miller (h/t Dave McMenamin).
Knecht’s consistent preseason performances have strengthened his case for a place in the Lakers’ regular-season rotation. His shooting ability and composure in high-pressure moments have impressed the coaching staff, positioning him as a key contributor off the bench.
The Lakers are set to open their regular season on Tuesday, hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Knecht’s role in the rotation will be a storyline to watch.
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