Imagine witnessing a single quarter in an NBA game where a player seems unstoppable—scoring at will, making shot after shot without missing. This extraordinary feat has happened several times in basketball history, but one performance stands out as truly record-breaking: Klay Thompson's legendary third quarter against the Sacramento Kings on January 23, 2015. But here's where it gets controversial... was this the ultimate quarter performance, or are there other moments that rival or surpass this? And this is the part most people miss—there are a few other jaw-dropping quarter performances that deserve recognition, each with their own unique story.
During that unforgettable third quarter, Thompson displayed sheer shooting brilliance. He went perfect from the field, making all 13 of his attempts, including two free throws, totaling 37 points in just 12 minutes. Nine of those made shots were beyond the arc, including a remarkable 28-footer — a shot that seems almost impossible to drain with such consistency. Thompson’s first miss of the period came only at the very start of the fourth quarter, from 21 feet away, ending his incredible streak.
He left the court to a standing ovation from the home crowd with 9 minutes and 28 seconds remaining, having scored a then career-high 52 points. His performance fueled the Warriors to a convincing victory over Sacramento, 126-101. This game cemented Thompson’s name in NBA history, setting the record for the most points scored in a single quarter.
But what about other players who have delivered equally astonishing quarter performances? Here are some of the top feats in NBA history:
- 37 points by Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings on January 23, 2015.
- 34 points by Kevin Love of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first quarter versus the Portland Trail Blazers on November 23, 2016.
- 33 points by Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets in the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 10, 2008.
- 33 points by George Gervin of the San Antonio Spurs in the second quarter at the New Orleans Jazz on April 9, 1978.
These performances exemplify some of the most energetic, focused, and explosive scoring bursts in NBA history. If you're a basketball enthusiast or simply love seeing incredible feats of athletic skill, exploring these moments offers a fascinating glimpse into the game’s high-octane potential.
Want to stay updated on the latest NBA highlights, scores, stats, and news? Check out ESPN’s NBA hub page for comprehensive coverage. And tell us—do you believe Klay Thompson’s third quarter is the greatest scoring burst ever, or can you think of other performances that deserve that title? Share your thoughts and let the debate begin!
