Dalton Knecht came to play on Thursday night.
The Los Angeles Lakers rookie scored 35 points and 7 rebounds in LA’s preseason win over the Phoenix Suns, and he landed 20 consecutive points in the fourth quarter and overtime to help seal the deal.
This was the biggest game of Knecht’s young career and it had a lot of Lakers fans talking on Friday morning.
No. 17 pick Dalton Knecht ripped off 20 consecutive points in the 4th quarter and overtime to seal the @Lakers thrilling #NBAPreseason win!
Anthony Davis: 35 PTS, 10 REB, 4 AST, 4 3PM
Austin Reaves: 18 PTS, 8 REB pic.twitter.com/4bmEsiXk8v— NBA (@NBA) October 18, 2024
Many people said that he looked like a professional already and they are hoping that he keeps it up during his rookie year.
Plenty of Lakers fans are thinking he could have a huge impact on LA in 2024-25 and think he might even be in the running for Rookie of the Year.
Dalton was fire today🔥🔥. Shots looked smooth. Let’s hope he will keep it up! 🙏
— The Kortalian (@TheKortalian) October 18, 2024
Others pointed out that both Austin Reaves and Anthony Davis also had big nights.
Davis scored 35 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists while Reaves posted 18 points and 8 rebounds.
The Lakers were in good shape during this important preseason victory.
That was a wild finish! Knecht really came through when it mattered. Davis and Reaves had solid games too. Excited for the season ahead!
— Raza Olakh (@RazaOlakh) October 18, 2024
The Rookie of the Year chants have already begun online after Knecht showed up in such a big way.
But can he keep the momentum going next week when the regular season kicks off?
ROTY
— Bluryeye 🐇 (@bluryeye19) October 18, 2024
Some people pointed out that Knecht was playing against the Suns’ second unit, but that is not entirely true because Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and other starters played for Phoenix during the game.
Don’t forget you mention it was against the bench and rookies- G leaguers
— Meat Popsicle (@Meat_Popsicles) October 18, 2024
A lot of people felt the Lakers made a steal when they landed Knecht in the draft a few months ago.
He proved them right on Thursday night but now he has the hard task of keeping it up through the very long, tiring, tough NBA season.
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