MIAMI (AP) — The Miami Heat set a franchise record by scoring 53 points in the first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night. This impressive feat also marks the second-highest scoring opening period in NBA history.
The NBA record for first quarters remains with the Golden State Warriors, who scored 55 points in the first 12 minutes against Portland on April 9, 2023. Miami made an incredible 10 three-pointers in the quarter and led 53-33 by the period’s end.
Miami utilized nine players during the quarter, and all nine scored. Norman Powell led the team with 11 points in that explosive opening frame.
Previously, the Heat’s record for points in a quarter was 48, achieved in the fourth quarter against New York on March 2, 1989. The prior first-quarter franchise record was 47 points at Washington on January 9, 2021.
The 53-point outburst ties for the ninth-highest scoring quarter in the NBA’s shot-clock era, which dates back to 1951, including playoff games. The only quarters with higher scoring outputs are:
– Buffalo, 58 points in the fourth quarter against Boston on October 20, 1972
– Phoenix, 57 points in the second quarter against Denver on November 10, 1990
– Golden State, 57 points in the third quarter against Sacramento on March 4, 1989
– Golden State, 55 points in the first quarter against Portland on April 9, 2023
– Memphis, 55 points in the third quarter against New Orleans on April 9, 2022
– Atlanta, 54 points in the third quarter against Houston on February 11, 1970
– Indiana, 54 points in the third quarter against Denver on November 9, 2010
– Boston, 54 points in the fourth quarter against Houston on February 25, 1970
Despite trailing by as many as 26 points in the second quarter, the Charlotte Hornets rallied back, and Miami cooled off considerably in the later stages. Even after their historic first quarter, the Heat led by just 72-69 at halftime.
https://sports.yahoo.com/article/miami-heat-set-franchise-record-021311148.html
