When talking about the Golden State Warriors, people are quick to discuss Stephen Curry‘s legacy and how he’s led the team throughout the years.
And while that’s mostly fair, one should never snub Klay Thompson off that conversation.
Thompson has played a major role in the dynasty’s success, playing outstanding backcourt defense and being one of the most efficient, consistent, and reliable volume shooters this game has ever seen.
As a matter of fact, some claim he’s 1B to Curry’s 1A when it comes to the greatest shooter ever, and he’s got nearly-perfect form.
Thompson has had some of the most impressive performances in recent times for a shooter.
But perhaps, his oeuvre came in a game against the Sacramento Kings eight years ago, as he set multiple marks and had perhaps the greatest performance in a single quarter by any player.
Thompson scored an NBA record 37 points with 9/9 from beyond the arc (also an NBA record), tying a mark by going 13/13 from the field and going 2/2 from the free-throw line as well.
He was so dominant that he actually outscored the Kings as a whole 37-22 and capped off that legendary performance with an uncharacteristic alley-oop dunk.
8 years ago today, KLAY THOMPSON had one of the greatest quarters in NBA history without missing a single shot 🔥
37 PTS (NBA record)
13/13 FG (ties NBA record)
9/9 3PT (NBA record)
2/2 FT
1/1 ALLEY-OOP DUNK
Outscored the Kings 37-22Final: 52 PTS, 11 3PT, 5 AST, 4 STL, 2 BLK pic.twitter.com/qLxYQXmofu
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) January 23, 2023
Thompson’s importance to the Warriors goes way beyond the stat sheet.
People talked about how losing Kevin Durant was why they missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.
However, they went right back to the NBA Finals as soon as Thompson was able to be back on the floor, even if he wasn’t at his best.
NEXT: Steph Curry Talks About His Struggling Warriors