Recap of Dalton Knecht’s preseason performances before the start of the NBA season

With the start of the NBA season on Tuesday evening, Dalton Knecht and the Los Angeles Lakers will do it start their season as hosts the Minnesota Timberwolves at 10 p.m. ET on TNT. Knecht had an impressive preseason, averaging 18 points, 4.2 rebounds, two assists and 1.4 steals per game. He shot 36% from three-point range line, and 43.6% from the field.

Knecht led all rookies in preseason scoring score at 90 in total Points. The next rookie was Jaylen Wells of the Memphis Grizzlies WHO finished with 72 points. Let’s take a detailed look at all five games and evaluate his performance in each one from them.

Game 1: Lakers vs. Timberwolves, October 4th, 2024

Knecht showed efficient scoring ability in his first preseason game, posting the highest score for the Lakers, but he also struggled. In his preseason debut, Knecht turned the ball over five times and made only two of his seven three-point attempts. Nevertheless, Knecht shot more than he missed Diploma 7/13 from the field. Knecht scored at all three levels, completing layups, making contested mid-range jump shots and converting two three-pointers.

Final stat sheet:
Minutes: 25
Points: 16, 7-13 FG (53.8%), 2-7 3PT (28.6%), 0-0 FT
Rebounds: 3
Assists: 2
Blocks: 1
Steals: 1
Fouls: 3
Sales: 5

More from RTI: Dalton Knecht impresses in first preseason game

Game 2: Lakers vs. Suns, October 6th, 2024

Knecht’s performance in the second game of the preseason was his worst performance in the five games. The No. 17 overall pick finished the game with the team’s lowest +/- of -19. Knecht struggled behind the arc and only managed one of his seven attempts. Knecht made a layup, one Jump shot from medium distance and one Three from 26 feet. With a height of 1.90 meters and an impressive jumping abilityThere is no reason for Knecht to only score one rebound in 21 minutes. For Knecht to play in the Lakers’ main rotation, the former Vol will need to perform in aspects of the game that aren’t scoring, especially when his shots aren’t falling.

Final stat sheet:
Minutes: 21
Points: 7, 3-9 FG (33.3%), 1-7 3PT (14.3%), 0-0 FT
Rebounds: 1
Assists: 3
Blocks: 1
Steals:1
Fouls: 2
Sales: 1

Game 3: Lakers @ Bucks, October 10, 2024

Knecht recovered with a strong all-round performance. He wasn’t the most productive or efficient scorer, but he scored 13 points in a variety of ways and, in addition to his scoring, defined the game with his rebounding and his ability to provide for others. Knecht finished two of his three attempts around the rim and did a pull-up in front of the left elbow. His two three-pointers came from the right side, one from the corner and one in the “slot” area, which is above the right elbow at the three-point line.

Final stat sheet:
Minutes: 34
Points: 13, 5-16 FG (31.3%), 2-10 3PT (20%), 1-2 FT (50%)
Rebounds: 8
Assists: 4
Blocks: 0
Steals: 1
Fouls: 5
Sales: 2

Game 4: Lakers vs. Warriors, October 15, 2024

The former Tennessee superstar scored 19 points in 21 minutes of play and shot nearly 40% from three-point range on 13 three-point attempts. Knecht led the Lakers in minutes off the bench as the returning Lakers core played the majority of the game. It was great for Knecht’s confidence to see his long-range shots from deep finally reach the bottom of the net, especially when he was next to the Lakers’ key players.

Final stat sheet:
Minutes: 21
Points: 19, 6-15 FG (40%), 5-13 3PT (38.5%), 2-2 FT (100%)
Rebounds: 2
Assists: 0
Blocks: 0
Steals: 2
Fouls: 1
Sales: 1

Game 5: Lakers @ Suns, October 17, 2024

Knecht’s best game of the preseason was a 35-point performance, including 20 straight points. Knecht led the Lakers to an overtime victory in Phoenix. He was called upon from deep as the sharpshooting wing made eight three-pointers on 13 attempts. He shot over 50% from the field and from three balls. Knecht also scored seven rebounds. After JJ Redick’s assistant coaches advised against subbing Knecht, he entered the game with 3:57 left in the fourth quarter. He scored 22 points later in the fourth quarter and in overtime. Knecht’s performance was reminiscent of his performance against Auburn, where it didn’t matter who was defending him, he would get to his spots and get his shots up, and there was no doubt that they would go in from the moment they left his hand .

Final stat sheet:
Minutes: 32
Points: 35, 10-18 FG (55.6%), 8-13 3PT (61.5%), 7-8 FT (87.5%).
Rebounds: 7
Assists: 1
Blocks: 2
Steals: 2
Fouls: 1
Sales: 2

The Lakers host the Timberwolves in one of two games of the evening to open the NBA season. Knecht has logged minutes in the rotation throughout his NBA Summer League and preseason performance, but Knecht will need to capitalize on the regular season when it matters most.