Dalton Knecht Stats Tonight: How did the Lakers rookie fare against Timberwolves? (Oct. 22) | 2024-25 NBA season

Dalton Knecht, after an impressive preseason, earned his regular season debut with the LA Lakers on Tuesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena. JJ Redick called his number to start the second quarter over Max Christie. Knecht got warm applause from the home fans when he entered the game.

Knecht's first contribution was a pass to Jaxson Hayes that led to a dunk. Five players later, he made his first shot, a 26-footer off a nifty pass from D'Angelo Russell. He finished the first half with five points on 2-for-3 shooting, including 1-for-2 from deep.

Knecht played for a few minutes in the third quarter but couldn’t contribute with his scoring. He made an impact on the defensive end and even forced Timberwolves forward Julius Randle to an air ball in one sequence.

JJ Redick started Knecht in the fourth quarter but took him out after two minutes. The rookie couldn't get back in as the Timberwolves mounted a couple of desperate runs late in the game.

Here are Dalton Knecht's stats against the Minnesota Timberwolves:

Player	PTS	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	FG	3-PT FG	FT	+/-
Dalton Knecht	5	1	2	1	0	1	2-4	1-3	0-0	+7

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JJ Redick didn’t design many set plays for Dalton Knecht

Lakers coach JJ Redick’s promise to use more screens and pin-downs came true in the preseason. Knecht was the recipient of many of those plays, allowing him to have a superb stretch before the regular season started. Redick continued to run more such plays but focused them on Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves and LeBron James.

Knecht only had one screen play designed for him in the game. He converted a 3-pointer after getting daylight to shoot. None of those sets happened in the second half for him.

The rookie might have to earn Redick’s trust more before the coach decides to run more plays for him. To his credit, Knecht contributed in other areas when he wasn’t asked to shoot. He helped his team on defense and with his passing.