The Golden State Warriors’ third-best player produced one of the greatest scoring performances in NBA history Monday night.
Klay Thompson was absolutely unstoppable in the Warriors’ 142-106 rout of the Indiana Pacers at Oracle Arena, scoring a career-high 60 points. But here’s the crazy part: He sat the entire fourth quarter.
That’s right: Thompson played just 29 minutes with Golden State leading big after three quarters. His 60 points came on a ridiculous 21 for 33 shooting effort, including 8 for 14 from 3-point range and 10 for 11 on free throws. So, what would have happened if Thompson stayed in the game? We’ll just leave this here:
Head coach Steve Kerr pulled Thompson with 1:22 still remaining in the third quarter, shortly after he buried his eighth 3-pointer of the night that sent the crowd and his teammates into a frenzy.
Thompson’s 60 points were the most in the NBA this season and the highest mark since Kobe Bryant dropped 60 points in his final NBA game last season. But Klay was just a bit more efficient.
Thompson, who had 40 points at halftime, also could have made a serious run at Bryant’s 82-point outburst, which the Los Angeles Lakers star accomplished in 41-plus minutes in 2006. But the Warriors sharpshooter still has a place in NBA history, as his 60 points in 29 minutes were the most ever by a player in 30 minutes or fewer.
Did we mention this team also has Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant?
Watch Klay Thompson casually sip a beer in postgame interview >>
Thumbnail photo Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports Images
