The Highest Scoring Quarter in an NBA Game

Throughout the history of the NBA, there have been numerous memorable moments and records. One such remarkable achievement stands out as the highest-scoring quarter in an NBA game. This article will explore the details of this record, the players involved, and other notable scoring feats in a single quarter.

The Record-Breaking Quarter

The highest-scoring quarter in an NBA game occurred on December 13, 1983, when the Denver Nuggets scored a staggering 107 points in the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons. This record still stands today and is a testament to the extraordinary offensive talents displayed that day. The game itself went into triple overtime, with the final score being 186-184 in favor of the Pistons, marking it as one of the highest-scoring games in NBA history.

Thompson's Unmatched Performance

Klay Thompson, a two-time NBA champion and one of the league's most prolific scorers, holds the current record for most points scored in a single quarter. On that fateful night in 1983, Thompson made 13 of 13 shots in the quarter, including 9 of 9 three-pointers and 2 of 2 free throws, scoring an astounding 37 points. This performance not only broke the record for the highest score in a single quarter but also set a new record for the number of hits in a single quarter and the most points in a single quarter in NBA history.

NBA Scoring Records in the First Four Quarters

Scoring records in each quarter of an NBA game can be interesting to analyze. If you're curious about the most points scored on average in the first, second, third, or fourth quarter, you might be surprised to learn about some of the latest and historical feats.

For instance, during a playoff game in the 2022-2023 season, the Golden State Warriors demonstrated incredible offensive efficiency, scoring 150 points in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics. During this entire quarter, the Celtics managed to score a mere 2 points, with all five players defending Steph Curry pushing the ball into the turnovers column. This quarter was a testament to the Warriors' offensive prowess and Curry's exceptional shooting.

Prior Records and Achievements

Before Thompson's record, Klay Thompson's previous record of 37 points in a single quarter was also noteworthy. Prior to Thompson, Wilt Chamberlain, the iconic center, scored 31 points in a quarter in 1962. However, there were a few players who came in between, breaking the records along the way, including some incredible performances by the Golden State Warriors. For example, in the 2018-2019 season, the Warriors scored 51 points in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets, breaking the previous record of 50 points.

Other Notable Scoring Feats

In the early days of the NBA, scoring records were often set by teams like the Buffalo Braves. The Braves scored 58 points in a quarter against the Celtics in 1972. More recently, the Golden State Warriors achieved a record 51 points in the first quarter against the Nuggets in 2019, further showcasing the league's explosive offensive capabilities.

The record for the highest scoring quarter in an NBA game is a reflection of the league's historical offensive excellence and the individual talent of its players. From Wilt Chamberlain's initial achievement to Klay Thompson's record-breaking performance, each player has contributed to this illustrious record.