After three quarters Monday night, Klay Thompson’s work was complete: a career-high 60 points, making 21 of 33 shot attempts (including 8-14 from three-point land.)
Thompson happily watched the final stanza from the bench, as the Golden State Warriors easily took care of the visiting Indiana Pacers 142-106.
Historic night at Oracle. @KlayThompson drops a career-high 60 points in just 29 minutes, leading GS to a 142-106 victory over IND. pic.twitter.com/Dg6GQd9bIe
— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) December 6, 2016
Thompson erupted for 40 points before halftime.
Per the SF Chronicle:
Thompson’s 40 points in the first half were the most by anyone before intermission since the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant had 42 points against the Wizards on March 28, 2003. Per the Elias Sports Bureau, Thompson became the first player since the shot clock was introduced in 1954 to score 60 points in fewer than 30 minutes.
“That’s a feat that I put money on will probably never be touched again in the history of basketball,” (Stephen) Curry said. “It’s unbelievable.”
Twenty-one games into the (Kevin) Durant era, the point Thompson was trying to make is clear. When his teammates realized Thompson was in a groove Monday, they found him in transition, off screens, standing idly in the corner — wherever he was open. Thompson hit four three-pointers in the second quarter, prompting fans to stand every time he touched the ball behind the arc. […] “I think all of our guys are cognizant of the fact that, when a guy has it going, get him the ball and him his career-high,” head coach Steve Kerr said. “That stuff is fun.”
