OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – Klay Thompson scored the most points in a quarter in NBA history, a 37-point third period that powered the Golden State Warriors to a 126-101 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Friday night.
Thompson, who finished with a career-high 52 points, pleased the announced sellout crowd of 19,596 at rowdy Oracle Arena with a performance that will long be remembered in the basketball-loving Bay Area. The All-Star hopeful made all 13 shots, including a league-record nine from 3-point range, and hit both of his free throws during a 12-minute span.
His streaky shooting touch helped the Warriors (35-6) erase a sloppy showing for its franchise-best 18th consecutive home victory. Golden State became the 10th NBA team to win at least 35 games halfway through a season.
The last player to score at least that many points in a quarter was Carmelo Anthony with 33 in 2008 while with Denver.