LOOK BACK MOMENT OF Klay Thompson’s Historic 52-Point Performance: A Decade Later

Basketball is a game of moments, and every once in a while, a player delivers a performance so breathtaking and dominant that it becomes immortalized in the sport’s history. On January 23, 2015, Klay Thompson did exactly that. The Golden State Warriors’ sharpshooter put on a shooting clinic, scoring 52 points against the Sacramento Kings. But what made this feat truly legendary was the fact that 37 of those points came in a single quarter, setting an NBA record for the most points scored in a half.

As we reflect on this moment 10 years later, we revisit:

The game itself—how Thompson achieved this feat
The reaction from teammates, opponents, and the basketball world
How this performance shaped his legacy
Where Klay Thompson stands today, a decade after his historic night

This was more than just a high-scoring game—it was a masterclass in shooting, efficiency, and basketball brilliance.

Setting the Stage: The Rise of Klay Thompson

The Golden State Warriors’ Sharpshooter

By the 2014-2015 season, Klay Thompson had already established himself as one of the best shooters in the NBA. Alongside Stephen Curry, he formed the Splash Brothers, a duo that terrorized defenses with unmatched three-point shooting ability.

The Warriors were emerging as the most dominant team in the league, with their fast-paced, three-point offense revolutionizing basketball
Thompson was in the middle of a breakout season, averaging over 22 points per game and proving he was much more than just a secondary scorer
While Curry was the face of the Warriors, Thompson was the silent assassin, a player who could catch fire at any moment and leave defenses helpless

Nobody knew that on January 23, 2015, Thompson would deliver one of the most iconic performances in NBA history.

The Game: A Performance for the Ages

First Half: A Strong Start

Going into the game, Thompson was playing well, but nothing indicated that he was about to do something historic.

He had 15 points in the first half, a solid but unspectacular number
The game was competitive, with the Kings keeping up with the Warriors
The third quarter, however, changed everything

Third Quarter: 37 Points of Pure Perfection

What happened in the third quarter was something the basketball world had never seen before.

Thompson exploded for 37 points, the most ever in a single quarter in NBA history
He went 13-for-13 from the field, meaning he did not miss a single shot
He hit 9 three-pointers, showcasing his elite long-range shooting ability
His points came in just 9 minutes, making it one of the most efficient performances ever recorded

Every shot seemed to go in, no matter how contested or difficult. The Kings tried everything to stop him, but nothing worked.

By the time the quarter ended, the crowd was in disbelief, his teammates were celebrating every basket, and NBA history had been rewritten.

Final Quarter: Sitting Out the Fourth

Despite being on one of the greatest scoring streaks ever, Thompson did not play in the fourth quarter.

The Warriors had a comfortable lead, so Coach Steve Kerr decided to rest him
Fans wondered if he could have reached 70 or even 80 points had he played the final minutes
Even without playing the last quarter, his performance remains one of the greatest in NBA history

Reaction and Impact: The Basketball World Erupts

After the game, his teammates couldn’t believe what they had just witnessed.

Stephen Curry: “I’ve never seen anything like it. It was unreal.”
“We were just standing there in amazement. At one point, we just got out of his way and let him do his thing.”
Coach Steve Kerr: “I don’t think we’ll ever see something like that again.”

Opponents Could Only Watch

Even Sacramento Kings players had to acknowledge that they had been part of NBA history.

DeMarcus Cousins: “Man, what can you do? We tried everything.”
Kings’ Coach George Karl: “That was one of the most incredible things I’ve ever seen.”

The Basketball World Reacts

The NBA community exploded on social media, with fans and analysts calling it one of the greatest shooting performances of all time
Kobe Bryant, a legendary scorer himself, later praised Thompson for his ability to stay focused and keep shooting
Michael Jordan reportedly reached out, congratulating Thompson on his incredible feat

The performance cemented Klay Thompson’s place among the all-time great shooters.

How This Moment Shaped Klay Thompson’s Legacy

Later that season, Thompson helped lead the Warriors to their first championship in 40 years. His shooting, defense, and ability to score in big moments were crucial to their success.

Defining His Role as the Ultimate Shooter

After this game, it became clear that Klay Thompson was not just a great shooter—he was one of the best ever.

His ability to score without dribbling much became a defining trait
He became known for explosive scoring runs, where he could single-handedly change a game in minutes
He eventually helped the Warriors win four NBA championships, proving his greatness

Overcoming Injuries and Returning Stronger

Despite suffering back-to-back injuries in 2019 and 2020, Thompson made a triumphant return in 2022.

He helped the Warriors win another championship that season
Even after injuries, his shooting remains elite, and he continues to be a key player for Golden State
His resilience and work ethic have only added to his legendary status

Where is Klay Thompson now? A Decade Later

Still One of the NBA’s Most Respected Players

Thompson continues to play for the Warriors, providing leadership and elite shooting
He has achieved over 2,500 career three-pointers, ranking among the top shooters in NBA history
He remains a fan favorite, known for his humility, work ethic, and love for the game

The Impact of His 52-Point Game Lives On

Young players study his shooting mechanics, trying to replicate his form and movement
His 37-point quarter is still one of the most talked-about moments in NBA history
It remains a reminder of how quickly a player can change the game with confidence and rhythm

Final Thoughts: A Performance for the Ages

Klay Thompson’s 52-point game, including 37 in one quarter, remains one of the greatest performances in basketball history.

It was a perfect display of shooting efficiency and focus
It cemented his place as one of the greatest scorers of his generation
A decade later, the moment still feels as special as the night it happened

Few players have had a game so legendary that it defines a career. For Klay Thompson, this was that moment.

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