CHICAGO (AFP) – Klay Thompson scored a record-breaking 14 three-pointers as the Golden State Warriors maintained their blistering start to the season with a 149-124 demolition of the Chicago Bulls on Monday.
Thompson broke teammate Stephen Curry’s NBA record for most three-point field goals in a single game of 13 when he nailed his 14th three of the night midway through the third quarter at the United Center.
The 28-year-old Thompson – who has struggled to find his scoring touch in the opening weeks of the season – finished the game with 52 points as the Warriors improved to 6-1 in the Western Conference.
Thompson later revealed Curry had urged him to go for his record as he continued to drain a series of three-pointers.
“Before I went out for the second half, Steph just looked at the box score and said ‘Go get it,’” Thompson told reporters.
“That shows the unselfishness that’s within him. Same with K.D (Kevin Durant), Draymond (Green) and everyone else that was out there on the floor with me, just trying to find me and give me good looks,” he added.
“I forced a few bad shots, but I was so anxious. Anytime there’s an NBA record at stake you kind of get a little nervous. I’m just so blessed to be able to play with the guys I do. It was an amazing night that I’ll never forget.”
LAKERS LOSE
In Minnesota, LeBron James scored 29 points but it was not enough to prevent the Los Angeles Lakers sliding to their fifth defeat of the season in a 124-120 loss to the Timberwolves.
James led the scoring for the visitors but the Lakers were outgunned by the Timberwolves Jimmy Butler, who had 32 points. Karl-Anthony Towns added 25 points and shooting guard Josh Okogie had 17 points.
Derrick Rose (11) and Anthony Tolliver (10) each chipped in with double-digit tallies off the bench for the Timberwolves, who improved to 3-4.
Thompson had set the tone for a superb display in the first quarter when he exploded for 22 points to help the reigning NBA champions surge into a 44-28 lead.
The Dubs put up another 48 points in the second quarter, and reached the halftime buzzer leading by an incredible 42-point margin at 92-50.
With the game as good as won, it became simply a question of whether the red-hot Thompson would surpass Curry’s three-pointer benchmark.
