Klay Thompson, shooting guard for the Golden State Warriors’, has broken the NBA record for the most three-pointers scored in a game, as his team cruised to victory against the Chicago Bulls.
In doing so, Thompson dethroned team mate Steph Curry who had previously held the title, achieved back in November 2016. Curry had amassed 13 three-pointers against the New Orleans Pelicans, but this time was forced to watch on in amazement as his ally rewrote history right in front of him.
The 28-year-old Thompson scored 14 three-pointers which complemented his 52-point performance in the 149-124 win. He admitted post game that with the achievement in sight, he felt the pressure.
“I was so anxious because any time there’s an NBA record at stake, you get a little nervous.
I’m just so blessed to play with the guys that I do. It was an amazing night I’ll hopefully never forget.”
Thompson raced out of the blocks in the first quarter contributing 22 points to the score as the reigning NBA champions lead at the first break 44-28. At the half the Warriors had extended their margin to 42 points with the scoreboard showing a 92-50 differential.
In the third quarter Thompson drew level with Curry’s record before breaking it with five minutes to play. He later revealed that the Warriors star had encouraged him to break the record.
“Before I went out for the second half, Steph just looked at the box score and said ‘go get it’,” Thompson said.
“That shows the unselfishness that’s within him.”
Thompson was sporting a yellow headband on the occasion, worn to protect a cut on his forehead sustained in the third quarter. He found a humorous angle to his irregular get-up likening himself to the Will Ferrell character Jackie Moon from the movie Semi-Pro.
“I was feeling good. He’s one of my favourite characters in all of sports movies. That’s probably why I broke the record.”
It might be a look that stays with him now given the history he has created.
For the record, Curry holds the NBA record for most three-pointers in a season, Shooting 402 from outside the arc in the 2015-2016 season.
