Dalton Knecht Stats Tonight: How did Lakers rookie fare in NBA Cup contest against Thunder? (Nov. 29)
Dalton Knecht got another start from LA Lakers coach JJ Redick for their NBA Cup contest against the OKC Thunder on Friday. The rookie delivered again as the Lakers struggled to get going early in the first quarter. He had six points in the first quarter, shooting 2 of 5, with both his makes coming from 3.
Knecht ensured the Thunder's lead didn't extend beyond a then-game-high 10 points. After a delayed run in the second quarter, where he only played three minutes, Knecht couldn't make much difference. He missed his two-shot attempts in the quarter.
At the first half's end, Dalton Knecht tallied six points and two assists in 15:31 minutes, shooting 2 of 7, including 2 of 5 from 3. He was a +/- -10. The Lakers trailed 51-48.
Knecht nearly played all 12 minutes in the fourth quarter and made the most of it. He found his rhythm with extended floor time and added eight points in the quarter. He made 3 of 5 shots, including two more 3s, taking his tally to four triples on the night on nine attempts. Knecht also grabbed three rebounds and added two more assists.
Entering the fourth quarter, Knecht had 14 points, three rebounds and four assists on 5 of 12 shots, including 4 of 9 from 3.
The rookie had an excellent fourth quarter until a fumble in the clutch. Dalton Knecht scored six more points and added three more rebounds. He made two triples in the quarter and helped LA keep it close.
However, the Lakers ultimately lost 101-93 and bowed out of the NBA Cup with their second loss in three outings.
Knecht finished the night with 20 points, six rebounds and four assists, shooting 7 of 16, including 6 of 12 from 3.
Lakers lose, but Dalton Knecht's permanent starting role chances increase
Moving Dalton Knecht to the starting lineup permanently is a decision JJ Redick might have to look into as the season progresses. The Lakers still have multiple frontcourt players yet to return, including Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood. If either of them is in Redick's plans to start, it might have to be at the expense of Rui Hachimura.
Knecht has clearly outperformed the veteran forward when starting, and Friday's team-high 20-point game was another example. On the other hand, Hachimura scored only eight points on 4 of 7 shots.
On the season, the Japanese is averaging 12.0 points and 5.3 rebounds on 44/47/85 splits in 14 games. Knecht, meanwhile, has tallied 19.7 ppg and 5.3 rpg on 53/48/86 splits as a starter in seven games.