Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images
It was a good day for the Los Angeles Lakers and rookie guard Dalton Knecht.
The Lakers earned a 104-99 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night, improving to 9-4 on the season.
The Pelicans were led by Anthony Davis, who scored 31 points with 14 rebounds, two steals, one assist and one block. LeBron James had 21 points with seven rebounds and five assists but it was Knecht who really stood out.
The rookie had 27 points with seven rebounds and two assists and was 10-of-17 on field goals and 5-of-10 from three-point range.
StatMuse @statmuse
Knecht 4 tonight:
27 PTS
7 REB
2 STL
5 3P
The first Lakers rookie ever to reach those numbers in a game. pic.twitter.com/zAp8z1H9kv
Fans took to social media to praise the rookie and his impact on the team.
RR Abrot @rrabrot
I’m so on the Dalton Knecht train
tjproducedit @tjproducedit
A lineup with Dalton Knecht and Vando would be crazy whenever Vando come back
Kevin O’Connor @KevinOConnorNBA
Dalton Knecht is a difference-maker. Needs to stay in the starting five and keep getting 30+ MPG.
Ross Kreines @rosskere
Dalton Knecht can shoot the ball but what he also does is understand how to not just move without the ball but move with a purpose whether that’s coming off a screen or with his slashing/cutting which leads to easy buckets.Also,knows his role,plays to his strengths and competes
73-9 and THEY LIED @CuffsTheLegend
Dalton Knecht was BORN TO BE A LAKER!!
The LIGHTS AINT TOO BRIGHT!
Knecht is averaging 7.8 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 18.8 minutes per game but the performance on Saturday showed that he is growing into a greater role with the team.
This was the first time he had scored more than 20 points in a game and just the third time that he has scored in double figures. However, those three games have come in his last three games, so it looks like he is gaining extra trust from JJ Redick and the Lakers coaching staff.
He will look to continue building on his current path when the Lakers play on Tuesday against the Utah Jazz.
