A simple stat from Lakers' loss to Timberwolves shows how JJ Redick continues to mismanage Dalton Knecht
The Los Angeles Lakers got handled in a decisive manner in their opening game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, getting routed 117-95 on Saturday night at the Crypto.com Arena. Minnesota cruised to a 59-48 halftime lead and pushed it to a commanding 22-point advantage less than 2 minutes into the second half. The Lakers couldn't find […]
The Los Angeles Lakers got handled in a decisive manner in their opening game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, getting routed 117-95 on Saturday night at the Crypto.com Arena.
Minnesota cruised to a 59-48 halftime lead and pushed it to a commanding 22-point advantage less than 2 minutes into the second half. The Lakers couldn't find a way to keep up with the torrid scoring pace of the Timberwolves, and no comeback was coming with the Wolves up 88-61 late in the third.
The usual suspects for the Lakers did their part. Luka Doncic and Lebron James combined for 20-40 shooting and 56 points. Austin Reeves put up some window dressing in the second half with the game well in doubt.
But the rest of the roster did little, and that includes three players off the bench not named Dalton Knecht. Dorian Finney-Smith (33 minutes), Gabe Vincent (25), and Jarred Vanderbilt (14) all logged significant minutes off the bench for LA last night. None scored more than 3 points. They combined to shoot 3-11 for the game.
Inserted in the game's final minutes, Knecht managed to score 5 points on 2 of 4 shooting with 3 rebounds.
No, the former Tennessee Vol's absence is not why the Lakers lost, obviously. But that simple stat differential is a microcosm of the confusing situation that continues to unfold over the last month regarding Knecht's usage, or lack thereof.
His minutes have dwindled going back to March 20. Since then, he's logged double-digit minutes in just 4 of 12 games to close the regular season. He earned the start in the regular season finale with the Lakers resting most of their starters. Across 37 minutes, he scored a game-high 27 points in LA's 109-81 loss to Portland.
In the playoffs, sometimes you need someone who can provide a spark on offense. Knecht can do that. That's why he was drafted, to put the ball in the basket. And as far as defense, well, when you have a -26 and -25 point differentials for two of your starters – like Rui Hachimura and Reaves, respectively, had on Saturday night – it kind of taints that argument that Knecht's defense is what is – or should be – keeping him off the court.
Bottom line: it's time for Redick to take the shrink wrap off one of his young talents and give him the chance to help his team up their total on the scoreboard a few more ticks.
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