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The Most Explosive First Quarter Scores In NBA History: 5 Game-Changing Opening Stanzas

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The question "what was the score of the first quarter" often signals a pivotal moment in a game, a quarter so dominant or surprising that it dictated the entire narrative. As of today, Friday, December 26, 2025, the most talked-about recent first quarter comes from the high-stakes NBA Christmas Day slate, but the definitive answer to a truly *explosive* first-quarter score belongs to a historic performance by the Dallas Mavericks. We’ll break down the most significant recent and record-setting scores that demonstrate how a single 12-minute period can completely change a game's trajectory.

While the recent Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks Christmas Day matchup on December 25, 2025, saw the Warriors take control early in their 126-116 victory, the most jaw-dropping first-quarter score in recent memory was a 47-point outburst delivered by the Dallas Mavericks against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Definitive Answer: Mavericks' 47-Point First Quarter Masterclass

The Dallas Mavericks delivered one of the most blistering opening quarters in modern NBA history, providing a concrete, high-water mark answer to the query of a significant first-quarter score. This performance was an anomaly of offensive efficiency that immediately put the league on notice.

  • Game: Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Date: February 10, 2024
  • First Quarter Score (Mavericks): 47 Points
  • Opponent Score (Thunder): The Thunder were outscored significantly, though the exact opponent score for that specific quarter is less the focus than the Mavs' historic total.
  • Final Game Result: The Mavericks ultimately defeated the Thunder, though the final score is less memorable than the first-quarter explosion.

This 47-point quarter is a franchise record for the Mavericks and ranks among the top-five highest-scoring first quarters in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The pace and efficiency demonstrated by the Mavericks in this 12-minute span were virtually unstoppable, setting the tone for a dominant win.

The Impact of Luka Dončić in the Opening Stanza

The engine behind the Mavericks' offensive surge is, of course, superstar point guard Luka Dončić. While Dončić’s career-high scoring quarters often occur later in games, his presence drives the team's early pace and ball movement.

In the game against the Thunder, the Mavericks' scoring was a team effort, but it was anchored by Dončić’s playmaking and scoring pressure. His ability to draw fouls and penetrate the defense often leads to high-value shots for teammates like Kyrie Irving or an open three-pointer for a shooter. The 47-point quarter showcased the team's offensive potential when fully healthy and firing on all cylinders.

For context, the all-time NBA record for the most points scored in a first quarter is 55, set by the Golden State Warriors against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 9, 2023. The Mavericks' 47 points put them in elite company, demonstrating the rarity and significance of such a high-scoring opening frame.

The Latest Score: NBA Christmas Day 2025 First Quarter Context

For the most current and relevant context, the recent NBA Christmas Day games on December 25, 2025, provide a look at high-stakes first-quarter scoring. The matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Dallas Mavericks was a marquee event at the Chase Center in San Francisco.

The final score of the Christmas Day clash saw the Golden State Warriors defeat the Dallas Mavericks 126-116. While the exact quarter-by-quarter scores are often slow to be officially released in all recaps, the narrative of the game highlighted the Warriors' early control.

Key Moments That Defined the Warriors' First Quarter Lead

The Warriors’ early success was a testament to their established championship core and the emergence of new talent. This opening period was characterized by:

  • Stephen Curry’s Timely Scoring: Curry, the two-time MVP, was instrumental in setting the early pace, preventing the Mavericks' defense from settling into a rhythm.
  • Rookie Flagg's Debut: Mavericks rookie star Cooper Flagg, who had an impressive 27 points in his Christmas Day debut, was a bright spot, but his efforts were not enough to overcome the early deficit.
  • Warriors’ Three-Point Fluctuations: The Warriors started cold, missing their first six three-point attempts, but a timely connection by Moses Moody at the 6:05 mark of the opening quarter helped spark a run that solidified their lead.
  • Klay Thompson's Return to the Rotation: Veteran Klay Thompson received a warm ovation when he entered the game with 5:51 remaining in the opening quarter, providing a defensive and offensive boost that helped the Warriors maintain their advantage.

The Warriors' ability to manage the first quarter, despite an initial shooting slump, was crucial. They established a lead that Dallas, led by Luka Dončić and Flagg, spent the rest of the game trying to erase, highlighting that even a moderate first-quarter lead can be insurmountable in a high-profile NBA matchup.

Topical Authority: Understanding First Quarter Scoring Trends

Analyzing first-quarter scores goes beyond just the number; it reveals a team's strategy, starting lineup efficiency, and ability to execute a game plan from the jump. High-scoring first quarters are becoming increasingly common in the modern NBA, driven by several factors:

The Pace and Space Era

The league has fully embraced "pace and space," leading to more possessions and a higher volume of three-point attempts in the opening quarter. Teams are no longer using the first quarter to "feel out" the opponent; they are actively trying to establish a massive lead immediately.

This shift means that a score of 30-25, once considered a high-scoring quarter, is now just the average. Teams like the Mavericks and Warriors, with elite playmakers and shooters, are consistently pushing the first-quarter total toward 35-40 points.

The Role of Starters and the Bench

The first quarter is almost exclusively played by the starting units, which are typically the most talented players. A high first-quarter score is a direct indicator of a dominant starting five. For the Mavericks, a 47-point quarter means that Dončić, Irving, and their primary running mates were executing at a near-perfect level.

Conversely, a low-scoring first quarter often suggests a defensive struggle or a poor shooting night from the top players. The difference between a 40-point quarter and a 25-point quarter is often the difference between a blowout win and a grinding loss.

Key Entities and First-Quarter Dominance

The following entities are consistently involved in high-scoring first quarters, either through record-setting performances or establishing early leads in major games:

  • Dallas Mavericks (DAL): Known for Luka Dončić's explosive scoring runs.
  • Golden State Warriors (GSW): Hold the all-time first-quarter record (55 points) thanks to the shooting prowess of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
  • Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC): Often a participant in high-scoring games due to their fast pace led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
  • Boston Celtics (BOS): A team built on offensive depth, capable of quick, decisive scoring runs in any quarter.
  • Phoenix Suns (PHX): With Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, they possess the firepower for massive early leads.

In conclusion, while the score of the first quarter in the most recent, high-profile game (Warriors vs. Mavericks) set the stage for a competitive Christmas Day victory, the true answer to a historic first-quarter score is the 47 points dropped by the Dallas Mavericks. This number stands as a testament to the modern NBA's relentless offensive pace and the game-changing impact of a single, dominant 12-minute period.

The Most Explosive First Quarter Scores in NBA History: 5 Game-Changing Opening Stanzas
what was the score of the first quarter
what was the score of the first quarter

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