NBA History: 5 players with the most 20-point quarters

#3 James Harden - 25 20-point quarters

James Harden in action during an NBA game.

James Harden is one of the best scorers to ever play in the NBA. The "Beard" was at the peak of his scoring prowess during his stint with the Houston Rockets.

Harden had the responsibility of making sure his team got over the line in every possible game. He made sure the Rockets ended up on the winning side on the back of staggering offensive performances.

James Harden with 20 POINTS in the first quarter #Bearding pic.twitter.com/tto373vD0p

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) November 28, 2017

Harden has had 25 20-point quarters in his career so far. His potential to win one-on-one battles and shots from all three levels made it easy for him to dominate opposing teams single-handedly.

#2 Stephen Curry - 34 20-point quarters

Stephen Curry high-fives his teammates before the start of a game.

Not many shy away from calling Stephen Curry the greatest shooter ever in NBA history. It isn't even a bold take at this point because of how many records the two-time MVP has managed to break because of that trait.

That has also helped Curry record 34 20-point quarters throughout his career. His conversion rate from deep has played a huge role in him being so efficient over the span of just 12 minutes.

Another one! Make it 5 2nd quarter triples for @StephenCurry30!#NBAFantasy #DubNation pic.twitter.com/deIZn4h59k

— NBA Fantasy (@NBAFantasy) January 27, 2019

It has made Curry one of the most feared players offensively in the last decade or so. With the way he performed last season, there is very little doubt in his potential to rack up plenty of 20-point quarters over the next few seasons in the NBA.

#1 Kobe Bryant - 34 20-point quarters

Kobe Bryant celebrates during an NBA game.

The late great Kobe Bryant currently holds the record for most 20-point quarters by a player in NBA history. Bryant was very calculative with the way he played the game. He knew when to attack and when not to.

It made him the great player he is remembered as today. That also allowed Kobe to dominate his opponents with great ease. He picked his moments to be effective and help his team in the best way possible.

Kobe Bryant torching the Suns in 2010 on pure skill and grace. Just beautiful to watch. Listen to the Phoenix crowd. pic.twitter.com/DQMORNWoHP

— Ball Don't Stop (@balldontstop) June 4, 2021

Bryant recorded 20 points in a quarter, 34 times in his career. He was sound with his technique and needed very little space to make shots, which enabled him to be a highly effective scorer.