I still remember the first time I witnessed an explosive NBA quarter performance—it was Klay Thompson dropping 37 points against Sacramento back in 2015. The sheer offensive outburst got me thinking about the absolute limits of scoring in a single quarter, which brings us to today's topic: who actually scored the most points in an NBA quarter? The answer might surprise those who assume it's one of the modern superstars like Steph Curry or James Harden. Actually, the record belongs to a Golden State Warrior, but not the one you're probably thinking of.
While researching this topic, I dug through NBA archives and found myself fascinated by how quarter scoring records reveal different eras of basketball. The current record holder is Klay Thompson with 37 points in the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings on January 23, 2015. What makes this even more impressive is that he achieved this on perfect shooting—13-for-13 from the field, including 9-for-9 from three-point range. As someone who's analyzed hundreds of games, I can confidently say this might be the most unstoppable shooting display I've ever seen. The way he caught fire reminded me of those rare moments when everything a player throws up just goes in, regardless of defensive pressure.
Now, here's where it gets interesting for true basketball historians. Many fans assume scoring records are a recent phenomenon, but the original single-quarter record dates back to 1978 when "Iceman" George Gervin dropped 33 points in a single quarter while battling for the scoring title. What's remarkable is that Gervin achieved this without the three-point line, which puts his accomplishment in a different historical context altogether. Personally, I find Gervin's performance more impressive in some ways because every single one of his points came from two-point range or free throws. The physicality he endured was completely different from today's game.
The evolution of quarter scoring records tells us a lot about how the NBA has changed. Back in Gervin's era, teams averaged around 110 points per game, whereas today's pace-and-space offenses regularly push that number higher. This context matters when we compare historical performances. Thompson's record came in a game where the Warriors scored 126 points total, meaning his quarter accounted for nearly 30% of his team's entire offensive output. That percentage is absolutely staggering when you think about it.
Looking at scoring explosions through my analytical lens, what fascinates me most isn't just the raw numbers but the circumstances surrounding them. Both Thompson and Gervin were in unique situations where their teams actively fed them the ball, recognizing they had entered that magical "zone" where every shot falls. I've noticed that these historic quarters typically share common elements: hot shooting obviously, but also defensive schemes that fail to adjust quickly enough, and teammates who willingly become spectators to history in the making.
The statistical probability of what Thompson accomplished still boggles my mind. Making nine consecutive three-pointers in professional basketball is like flipping a coin and getting heads nine times straight—the odds are astronomically against it. What's often overlooked is that he scored those 37 points in just 9 minutes and 58 seconds of actual game time since he entered the quarter with about 2 minutes already elapsed. That means he was scoring at a rate of approximately 3.7 points per minute, which is just video game numbers.
Some fans argue that Carmelo Anthony's 33-point quarter against Charlotte in 2008 or Kevin Love's 34-point first quarter against Portland in 2016 deserve more recognition, and they're not wrong. Love's performance was particularly remarkable because it came in the first quarter, when defenses are typically fresher and more prepared. But in my view, Thompson's perfect shooting efficiency gives his record an untouchable quality that may stand for decades.
Reflecting on these performances takes me back to that JRU lineup sheet I once analyzed—where Almario's 16 points stood out among his teammates' contributions. It reminds me that even in team sports, individual brilliance can shine through in concentrated bursts. The beauty of quarter scoring records is that they capture basketball in its purest form: one player temporarily transcending the game's limitations.
As the NBA continues to emphasize three-point shooting, many wonder if Thompson's record will eventually fall. Personally, I doubt we'll see it broken anytime soon. The perfect storm required—hot shooter, compliant defense, unselfish teammates, and strategic coaching decisions—creates a barrier that's as much about circumstance as skill. The next time you see a player hit three quick shots in a row, watch closely. You might be witnessing the beginning of basketball history, though statistically speaking, you're probably just seeing a nice scoring run that will soon be forgotten.
What these record-breaking quarters ultimately reveal is the human capacity for explosive excellence when conditions align perfectly. They're the basketball equivalent of a perfect storm—rare, breathtaking, and ultimately reminding us why we watch sports in the first place. For all our analytics and advanced metrics, sometimes basketball just comes down to that magical question: what if someone simply couldn't miss tonight?
