In a surprising upset, the struggling Utah Jazz, with a record of 13-40, triumphed over the formidable Los Angeles Lakers, boasting a 32-20 record, at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. The Jazz secured a 131-119 victory, leaving many spectators stunned.
The Lakers’ star-studded lineup, featuring NBA heavyweights Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and rookie Dalton Knecht, couldn’t overcome the Jazz’s determined performance. James contributed 18 points, while Doncic and Knecht added 16 and 10 points, respectively.
Knecht, the former Tennessee Volunteers standout, played 17 minutes, showcasing his scoring ability by converting 3-of-7 field goals and 3-of-7 three-point attempts, along with a free throw. The rookie’s performance, while not game-changing, contributed to the Lakers’ overall effort.
Drafted by the Lakers in the first round of the 2024 NBA draft (No. 17 overall), Knecht’s journey to the NBA began with a transfer from Northern Colorado to Tennessee. Under the guidance of head coach Rick Barnes, Knecht had a stellar 2023-24 season with the Volunteers.
In his lone season at Tennessee, Knecht averaged an impressive 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. His contributions were pivotal in leading the Vols to an SEC regular-season championship and a coveted Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA Tournament, a feat only achieved twice in the school’s history.
Knecht’s remarkable season earned him numerous accolades, including the 2024 SEC Player and SEC Newcomer of the Year awards. He was also recognized as a consensus All-America standout and received the prestigious Julius Erving Award, solidifying his status as one of college basketball’s top performers. The game against the Jazz marked another step in Knecht’s transition to the professional level.
