Scoring points in the NBA can change a game within minutes, but producing a historic performance in just one quarter is extremely rare. As of February 2026, the record for most points scored by a player in a single NBA quarter still belongs to Klay Thompson.
The Golden State Warriors star delivered an unforgettable performance on January 23, 2015, when he exploded for 37 points in the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings. More than a decade later, the record remains untouched, even in an era where scoring and three-point shooting are at their peak.
NBA Record: Most Points in a Single Quarter
| Player | Points | Quarter | Team | Opponent | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Klay Thompson | 37 | 3rd | Golden State Warriors | Sacramento Kings | Jan 23, 2015 |
| Kevin Love | 34 | 1st | Cleveland Cavaliers | Portland Trail Blazers | Nov 23, 2016 |
| Carmelo Anthony | 33 | 3rd | Denver Nuggets | Minnesota Timberwolves | Dec 10, 2008 |
| George Gervin | 33 | 2nd | San Antonio Spurs | New Orleans Jazz | Apr 9, 1978 |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | 32 | 3rd | Minnesota Timberwolves | Opponent (2022) | Mar 14, 2022 |
Also see: Most Points Scored in an NBA Game
Klay Thompson 37-Point Quarter
Klay’s performance is widely considered one of the greatest scoring bursts in NBA history. What makes it even more special is the shooting efficiency.
| Stat Category | Performance |
|---|---|
| Field Goals | 13/13 |
| Three-Pointers | 9/9 |
| Free Throws | 2/2 |
| Time Taken | 9 minutes 40 seconds |
| Game Result | Warriors won 126–101 |
| Total Game Points | 52 |
Scoring 37 points without missing a shot in a quarter is extremely rare. His nine three-pointers in a single quarter also remain an NBA record.
Also see: Highest Triple-Double Achievements in NBA History
Recent Performances (2025–26 Season)
Despite the modern high-scoring style, no player has come close to breaking the record this season.
| Player | Quarter Points | Season |
|---|---|---|
| James Harden | 27 | 2025–26 |
| Victor Wembanyama | 25 (1st Quarter) | 2025–26 |
These numbers highlight how difficult it is to reach the 30+ mark in a single quarter, let alone challenge the 37-point record.
Also see: Most 3-Pointers in an NBA Game
Klay Thompson 37-point quarter remains one of the most iconic moments in NBA history. More than 11 years later, it continues to set the standard for individual scoring excellence. With today’s offensive trends, the record could be challenged someday, but for now, it still stands as one of basketball’s toughest milestones to beat.
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