BASKETBALL fans across the globe went into meltdown over the pyrotechnics of NBA star Klay Thompson, who made a mockery of the sport by draining three-pointers for fun on Tuesday (AEDT).
Playing for Golden State against Chicago, Thompson caught fire like we’ve never seen before and went on a rampage as he single-handedly destroyed the Bulls — and basketball logic — by launching from beyond the arc with ludicrous success.
Thompson nailed 10 three-pointers before halftime — equalling Chandler Parsons’ record for the most three-pointers in a single half. He quickly took his tally to 13 midway through the third quarter and equalled teammate Steph Curry’s record for the most threes ever in a single game.
Curry set the mark against New Orleans in 2016 but that quickly disappeared into Thompson’s rearview mirror as he went on to bigger and better things, shattering the historic number with more than a quarter to go. He hit his 14th three from his 24th attempt with five minutes left in the third term.
The history-making three also gave him 50 points for the third time in his career, hitting the half century mark in just 26 minutes of game time. Oh, and he did it all while wearing a headband to cover up a bloody cut caused by a stray Damian Jones elbow.
The Bulls faithful were cheering the unbelievable scenes they were being treated to, even though each three was a dagger to the Bulls’ heart.
Klay Thompson broke the single-game three-pointer record with this shot, his 14th three of the game.
It only took him 26 minutes!
(via @NBCSWarriors) pic.twitter.com/bMHGc7rW0q
It was just a matter of time before Klay Thompson went super nova.
Klay has taken 24 3-pointers in 26 minutes of floor time. Remarkable!
Klay has taken 24 3-pointers in 26 minutes of floor time. Remarkable!
Klay Thompson has more 3-pointers tonight than Larry Bird made in the 1981-82 season
A ridiculous number of all-time records set by Klay Thompson tonight. Here are a few:
Thompson’s 14 3-point makes are the most ever in a single NBA game.
Klay also just became the first player in league history to score more than 50 points in fewer than 28 minutes…
Klay Thompson is a cheat code. When that man gets going. It’s over!
Klay Thompson made more 3s tonight than the entire Atlanta Hawks team during the 1979-80 season, the first with a 3-pt line.
The Hawks combined to go 13-75 in 82 games… that team won 50 games.
Thompson was 18/29 from the field and had more than double the amount of points as his splash brother Curry, who had 23 early in the fourth quarter.
Remarkably, the 28-year-old’s astonishing freak show comes after struggling from long range since the season started. Before today, he’d landed just five of 36 three-point attempts in seven games.
Thompson was given a breather by coach Steve Kerr shortly after he notched his history-making basket, preventing him from running up his tally as he sat out the entire fourth quarter.
He finished with 52 points and five rebounds as the Warriors won 149-124. But according to radio broadcaster John Ireland, Thompson’s dad Mychal wasn’t as impressed as everyone else.
Mychal’s response to hearing that Klay broke the all-time record for 3’s in a game:
“14 of 24 from 3? Is that good? I would have thought somebody as good as Klay could make at least 18 if he took 24 shots.”
Once a Dad, always a Dad.
SIMMONS STARS FOR SIXERS
Ben Simmons ran riot for Philadelphia as the 76ers overcame Atlanta 113-92 on Tuesday.
The Aussie star had a monster 15-point third quarter and headed into the final term with 21 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.
He fell just short of another career triple double when he — along with JJ Redick and Joel Embiid — was given an early mark by coach Brett Brown and ended the clash with 21 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists to lead the Sixers in every category.
A less-than-reliable free-throw shooter, Simmons’ good day extended to the charity stripe, where he went 5/5.
Ben Simmons is having a BIIIIG night. Already up to 21-11-7 with more than a quarter to go – plus one sick photo. #NBA #HereTheyCome #ATLatPHI pic.twitter.com/PmJEchEGI5
Simmons’ third quarter performance was the catalyst for his side’s win after the score was locked at 47-all at halftime.
A spin-and-dunk in the paint formed part of his highlights reel.
Slammin’ into the second half. @BenSimmons25 | #HereTheyCome pic.twitter.com/Ir8m4lOKQI
Ben Simmons sure seems more aggressive going to the hoop. No longer afraid of contact and exposure at the free-throw line, which opens up a lot more of his game.
aggressive ben simmons>
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