Have you ever wondered about the most electrifying individual scoring outburst you could witness in professional basketball? It's that moment when a player gets so hot, the basket seems as wide as the ocean. So, too it's almost, that kind of incredible performance can truly captivate anyone watching a game. We're talking about a single player taking over for a short burst, putting up points at a truly unbelievable rate.
This article will shed light on the player who holds the record for the most points in a quarter in NBA history. We'll look at the details of this amazing feat, including when it happened and against whom. It’s a moment that, you know, still gets talked about years later, showing just how special it was.
We will also explore other notable single-quarter scoring efforts by legendary players. The NBA, as a matter of fact, keeps seeing its offensive game expand, which means these kinds of astronomical records feel more possible than ever before. It's a fun topic, really, for anyone who loves basketball and its incredible individual displays.
Table of Contents
- Klay Thompson: A Quick Look
- The Record-Setting Quarter
- Understanding an NBA Quarter
- Other Unforgettable Scoring Bursts
- Team Scoring Records in a Quarter
- Rarity of the Record
- Frequently Asked Questions
Klay Thompson: A Quick Look
Before we get into the specifics of his record-breaking performance, it’s good to know a bit about the player himself. Klay Thompson, a prominent figure for the Golden State Warriors, has made a name for himself as one of the league's most effective shooters. He's known for his smooth shooting form and his ability to score in bunches. He's, you know, a pretty big deal in the basketball world.
Personal Details & Bio Data
| Full Name | Klay Alexander Thompson |
| Team | Golden State Warriors |
| Position | Shooting Guard |
| Birthdate | February 8, 1990 |
| College | Washington State |
The Record-Setting Quarter
The NBA record for the most points scored in a single quarter belongs to Klay Thompson. He truly made history on a memorable night. This incredible performance happened, you know, on January 23, 2015. It was a game against the Sacramento Kings.
Thompson dropped an astounding 37 points in the third quarter of that game. This, quite honestly, set a new benchmark for individual scoring in such a short period. He was, to be honest, just on fire during those twelve minutes. It was a display of pure scoring talent that fans still talk about today.
The Golden State Warriors were playing the Kings, and Klay Thompson took over the game in a way few players ever have. He was hitting shots from all over the court. This record, basically, shows how a player can completely change the feel of a game with an incredible scoring run.
Understanding an NBA Quarter
To really appreciate Klay Thompson's achievement, it helps to grasp the structure of an NBA game. An NBA game is broken down into four distinct quarters. Each of these quarters lasts for 12 minutes of playing time. So, that's 48 minutes of game action in total, not including timeouts or breaks.
During each quarter, teams try to score as many points as they can. They use various strategies to get the ball in the hoop. A player scoring 37 points in just one of these 12-minute segments is, pretty much, an extraordinary feat. It means they were scoring at an incredibly fast pace, nearly a point every 20 seconds of actual game time. That's, like, really fast.
The flow of an NBA quarter involves offensive and defensive plays, substitutions, and strategic pauses. For one player to dominate the scoring in such a concentrated way, it truly means they were playing at an elite level. It shows, in a way, just how quickly points can add up when a player is in the zone.
Other Unforgettable Scoring Bursts
While Klay Thompson holds the top spot, other players have had truly remarkable scoring quarters. The provided information tells us that there have been 12 instances where 11 different NBA players scored 29 points or more in a single quarter. This shows that while Klay's record stands alone, other stars have also had their moments of pure scoring brilliance. You know, it's not just him.
Among these elite performances, some very familiar names pop up. We're talking about players like Michael Jordan, who is often considered one of the best ever. Dirk Nowitzki, a legendary big man known for his unique shot, also appears on this list. Kobe Bryant, another all-time great scorer, also had a quarter that ranks among the highest. And, of course, Wilt Chamberlain, who holds many scoring records, is also part of this group. These players, basically, show that high-level scoring bursts are part of the game's history.
It’s fascinating to consider how these different players, with their unique styles, managed to achieve such high scoring totals in a short span. They all found ways to get the ball in the basket repeatedly. Their names, you know, are etched into the record books for these kinds of explosive performances. It truly speaks to their skill and determination on the court.
Team Scoring Records in a Quarter
Beyond individual efforts, teams can also put up huge numbers in a single quarter. In the current century, two teams are tied for the most points scored in a quarter. The Golden State Warriors and the Memphis Grizzlies both managed to score 55 points in one quarter. This is a massive amount of points for a team to get in just 12 minutes. It really shows how offenses can click at certain times.
The Warriors, as a matter of fact, set an NBA record with their 55-point quarter. This kind of team performance highlights incredible offensive efficiency. It means everyone on the court is contributing, hitting shots, and making plays. It’s a collective effort that, like, just goes perfectly.
When a team scores that many points, it often means they are shooting very well, getting easy baskets, and maybe even forcing turnovers. These high-scoring quarters, you know, can really shift the momentum of a game. It's a testament to how quickly points can accumulate in today's NBA, which seems to be leaning more and more towards offense.
Rarity of the Record
Klay Thompson's record for the most points scored in a single quarter is quite special because it's been tied or broken only four times in NBA history. This fact alone tells you just how rare and difficult such an achievement is. It's not something that happens every season, or even every few seasons. It’s, you know, a truly unique moment.
The record, dated all the way back to January 23, 2015, when Thompson put up his 37 points in the third quarter, has stood the test of time. It has remained untouched for quite a while now. This shows the incredible nature of his performance. It's a mark that few, if any, players have come close to matching since then. It's, like, a really tough record to beat.
In a league where offensive records seem to be constantly pushed higher, this particular individual quarter scoring record has held firm. It speaks to the sheer perfection of Thompson's shooting display on that night. It's a moment that, you know, basketball fans will remember for a very long time. It highlights just how exceptional that one quarter was.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points did Klay Thompson score in his record quarter?
Klay Thompson scored 37 points in his record-setting quarter. This happened during the third quarter of a game against the Sacramento Kings. It was, in fact, an incredible display of shooting.
Which other NBA players have scored a lot of points in a single quarter?
Several other NBA players have had high-scoring quarters, with 11 players reaching 29 points or more on 12 occasions. These players include legendary names like Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, Kobe Bryant, and Wilt Chamberlain. They, you know, really showed their scoring touch.
What is the team record for most points in an NBA quarter?
The team record for most points in an NBA quarter is 55 points. This record is currently tied between the Golden State Warriors and the Memphis Grizzlies. Both teams, basically, had an offensive explosion in one quarter of their respective games.
Learn more about basketball records on our site. And to see more about incredible individual performances, you might want to check out this page.
For more statistics and official NBA information, you can always check out the league's official site. You know, they have all the numbers there. Visit NBA.com Stats.
