As I was watching an NBA game the other night, witnessing player after player drain three-pointers with seemingly effortless grace, a question popped into my mind that I’m sure many basketball enthusiasts have pondered: Who actually holds the NBA record for the most threes in a single game? It’s one of those stats that feels almost mythical—like a perfect game in baseball or a hat-trick in hockey. I’ve always been fascinated by shooting streaks and record-breaking performances, partly because they reveal so much about a player’s mindset, preparation, and sometimes, just pure, unadulterated luck. So I decided to dig into the archives, revisit some iconic moments, and share what I found—not just the cold, hard numbers, but the stories behind them.
The official record for the most three-pointers made in a single NBA game is 14, a feat achieved by none other than Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors. He set this incredible mark on October 29, 2018, in a game against the Chicago Bulls. Now, as a longtime fan, I remember watching that game and feeling like I was witnessing something surreal. Klay was in one of those zones where every shot felt inevitable—the net barely seemed to move as the ball swished through. He finished the game with 52 points in just 27 minutes, and what’s even more mind-boggling is that he did it on 14-of-24 shooting from beyond the arc. No wasted motion, no hesitation. It was a masterclass in shooting efficiency, and honestly, I don’t think we’ll see a performance like that again for a long time. But here’s the thing: records like this aren’t just about talent; they’re also about opportunity, team dynamics, and a player’s physical and mental state on that particular day.
Reflecting on Klay’s achievement, I can’t help but think about the broader context of three-point shooting in today’s NBA. The game has evolved so much since the days when big men dominated the paint. Nowadays, it’s all about spacing, pace, and—let’s be real—bombing away from deep. I’ve always had a soft spot for the strategic side of basketball, and the three-point revolution is one of the most fascinating shifts I’ve seen in my years following the sport. Teams are launching over 30 threes per game on average, compared to just a handful in the 1990s. That change has opened the door for records like Klay’s to even be possible. But it also raises questions about sustainability and player health. Shooting at that volume, with that intensity, takes a toll on the body, something we often overlook when celebrating these historic nights.
This brings me to a point that resonates with me personally, especially when I consider the balance between pushing limits and listening to your body. I was reminded of this while reading about a player’s recent comments in the PBA, where Jordan Heading discussed his approach to returning to the court. He said, “But as we kinda ramped up things for myself on the court, we will just continue to assess the situation, continue to assess how my body is feeling, try not to rush into anything that is too soon.” That quote stuck with me because it highlights a reality that applies to NBA stars like Klay Thompson as well. After all, Klay himself has faced significant injuries, including an ACL tear and an Achilles issue, which kept him off the court for years. When he made his comeback, it wasn’t just about chasing records; it was about rebuilding confidence and ensuring his body could handle the grind. In my view, that’s what separates the greats from the flash-in-the-pan performers—they know when to push and when to pause.
Of course, Klay isn’t the only player to have flirted with this record. Before him, the mark was shared by his teammate Stephen Curry, who hit 13 threes in a game back in 2016, and Donyell Marshall, who did the same in 2005. I’ve always been a huge Steph fan—his creativity and range are simply unmatched—so part of me was a little sad to see his record broken, even if it was by his own teammate. But that’s the beauty of sports, isn’t it? Records are made to be broken, and rivalries, even friendly ones, drive the game forward. What’s interesting to me is how these performances often come in waves. For instance, in that 2018 game, Klay benefited from the Warriors’ unselfish ball movement and the defensive attention drawn by Curry and Kevin Durant. It’s a reminder that individual records are often a team effort in disguise.
Now, let’s talk numbers for a second, because as an analyst, I love diving into the data. Klay’s 14 threes came on 24 attempts, which translates to a 58.3% shooting percentage from deep. That’s absurdly efficient, especially when you consider the degree of difficulty on some of those shots. By comparison, the average NBA three-point percentage hovers around 35-36%, so Klay was operating at a level that’s almost otherworldly. If we look at the broader history, the NBA didn’t even have a three-point line until 1979, and it took years for teams to fully embrace it. Today, players like Damian Lillard and Trae Young are pushing the boundaries of range and volume, but Klay’s record stands as a testament to peak performance in the modern era. Personally, I think it’ll take a perfect storm of factors—hot hand, defensive lapses, and maybe a bit of overtime—for someone to surpass 14. But if anyone can do it, my money would be on Curry or Lillard, given their green light to shoot from anywhere on the court.
Wrapping this up, the record for most threes in an NBA game is more than just a statistic; it’s a snapshot of basketball’s evolution and the human element behind the highlights. Klay Thompson’s 14-three explosion is a moment I’ll always cherish as a fan, not just for the sheer spectacle but for the resilience he showed to get back to that level after injuries. It ties into what Jordan Heading emphasized about assessing one’s body and not rushing things—a lesson that applies to athletes at every level. As the game continues to change, with more emphasis on long-range shooting, I wouldn’t be surprised if this record is challenged again. But for now, it belongs to Klay, and in my opinion, it’s a well-deserved crown. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a hardcore stats nerd like me, moments like these remind us why we love sports: they’re unpredictable, inspiring, and always leave us wondering what’s next.