Lakers' Dalton Knecht Lands in Company With Former 76ers Player

A standout game from a Lakers rookie put him in company with a former Philadelphia 76ers sharpshooter.

Jul 12, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Dalton Knecht (4) competes during the first half against the Houston Rockets at the Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images | Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

It might just be preseason in the NBA, but Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht put on a show that had fans buzzing on Thursday night. As the first-round pick put together a dominant showing late in the matchup against the Phoenix Suns, he landed in similar company as a former Philadelphia 76ers player.

The rookie checked in for nearly 32 minutes on Thursday night. He put up 18 shots from the field, with 13 of them coming from beyond the arc.

Being one of the most notable shooters in this past draft, Knecht’s ability to heat up from deep was expected.

All but two of his makes came from three. The rookie hit on eight of his long-range shot attempts. One more, and he would’ve surpassed some elite company for a single-game stat.

Dalton Knecht made 8 threes tonight.

Reggie Miller
Kevin Durant
Steve Nash
Larry Bird
Kyle Korver
Dirk Nowitzki
Steve Kerr

Never hit more than that in an NBA game. pic.twitter.com/r5lIfMOZwe

— StatMuse (@statmuse) October 18, 2024

Kyle Korver was one of the NBA’s most notable three-point shooters during his time in the league. Coming out of Creighton in 2003, Korver was a second-round draft pick, who started his career with the Sixers.

Nov 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyle Korver (26) dribbles past Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

In five seasons in Philly, Korver averaged 41 percent from deep. Throughout his career, he was a 43 percent shooter from beyond the arc.

Korver was never able to push past the eight mark from long range. During his tenure with the Atlanta Hawks, Korver knocked down eight threes on three different occasions. His most three-pointers in a single game as a Sixer came in 2004 against the Indiana Pacers, when Korver hit seven threes to collect 23 points.

Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht STOLE THE SHOW scoring TWENTY STRAIGHT in the 4Q and OT leading LAL to the #NBAPreseason victory!

🔥 35 PTS
🔥 7 REB
🔥 8 3PM
🔥 10-18 FGM pic.twitter.com/WFCptZs3cd

— NBA (@NBA) October 18, 2024

Knecht wasn’t teasing any NBA records on Thursday night. Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson sits comfortably with his record of 14 three-pointers in a single game during his time with the Golden State Warriors.

Plus, a preseason record wouldn’t stay in the books anyway. But give the rookie credit, he made a major impact in an exciting preseason game before heading into the regular season. For a person in his position, Knecht put together a performance that could help him earn playing time during the regular season. He scored 35 points, along with seven rebounds, one assist, two steals, and two blocks.