The Los Angeles Lakers secured their sixth consecutive victory Tuesday night, edging the Utah Jazz 124-118 in a thrilling contest at Crypto.com Arena.
Rookie sensation Dalton Knecht was the undisputed star of the night, tying the NBA’s single-game rookie record with nine three-pointers en route to a career-high 37 points. This performance not only electrified the Lakers’ home crowd but also underscored the team’s red-hot form as they improved to 7-0 at home.
LeBron James, once again proving his ageless dominance, contributed 26 points and 12 assists, while Anthony Davis added a commanding 26 points and 14 rebounds. Austin Reaves chipped in with 17 points, rounding out a well-balanced effort from the defending NBA Cup champions. With this win, the Lakers are now 2-0 in group play for the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament, a competition they seem eager to dominate.
The victory extended the Lakers’ longest winning streak since February 2021, a reminder of their championship pedigree from the Florida bubble. But the night belonged to Knecht, whose sharpshooting display rewrote the narrative of the game. His nine triples tied a rookie record shared by Rodrigue Beaubois, Yogi Ferrell, and Utah’s Keyonte George, cementing his place in NBA lore.
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For the Jazz, Lauri Markkanen led with 25 points, while Keyonte George added 18, 10 of which came in a spirited fourth-quarter rally. Collin Sexton also contributed nine of his 19 points in the final frame, but the late surge wasn’t enough to overcome the damage inflicted earlier. This marked the Jazz’s third consecutive loss, reflecting the growing pains of a rebuilding team.
Knecht’s heroics reached their zenith in the third quarter, where he caught fire with four consecutive three-pointers on as many possessions, drawing roars from the crowd. His 21-point explosion in the third quarter alone proved to be the decisive stretch. By the time his ninth triple splashed through the net early in the fourth quarter, the Lakers had built a commanding 25-point lead.
Despite the Jazz trimming the deficit late in the game, the Lakers’ cushion held firm. Knecht’s scoring tapered off after his record-tying three-pointer, but the damage was done. His performance showcased the kind of consistent outside shooting the Lakers have long sought to pair with the playmaking of James and Davis.
Defensively, the Lakers made key adjustments to stifle Utah’s rhythm early. Although the Jazz posted an impressive 43-point fourth quarter, much of it came in garbage time, when the outcome was already decided. John Collins’ flagrant foul on Davis in the second half, a lowlight for Utah, added to the frustration of a tough road loss.
The Lakers’ current form is a testament to their depth. Knecht’s emergence as a reliable offensive weapon has been crucial, especially in the absence of Rui Hachimura, who missed his third straight game due to a sprained ankle. Meanwhile, Bronny James remained sidelined with a bruised heel.
With Knecht averaging 24.3 points over his last four starts and hitting a scorching 21 three-pointers in that span, his impact has been nothing short of transformative. The rookie has quickly become the Lakers’ go-to catch-and-shoot threat, filling a long-standing void in their offensive arsenal.
Looking ahead, the Lakers seem poised to extend their dominance. They’ll host the Orlando Magic on Thursday, aiming to maintain their perfect home record. The Jazz, on the other hand, face a daunting task as they visit the San Antonio Spurs to close out a four-game road trip.
As the Lakers continue to build momentum, Knecht’s breakout performance could be a defining moment in their season. If his shooting stays consistent, it adds a new dimension to a roster already brimming with star power. For now, his historic night ensures the Lakers remain one of the hottest teams in the league.
