George Gervin, who many refer to as “The Iceman”, was one of the NBA’s most prolific scorers during the 1970-80’s era.
Gervin played professional basketball for 18 years, playing in the ABA, NBA, and Europe. He is most notorious for his time with the San Antonio Spurs, where he played from 1974-1985. For his career, Gervin averaged 25.1 points per game, and was a four-time scoring champion (1978-1980, 1982).
He was also named to the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team. One of his most notable achievements was his once unbreakable 33 point’s in a single quarter. However, with Klay Thompson now laying claim to the record with 37 points, Gervin is now second place on that list.
Although, Gervin believes his record will stand the test of time.
“I don’t feel-and it’s funny, everybody laughs-I don’t feel he broke my record. I feel he set a new record. He set a new record for the new NBA.”
Thompson made a remarkable nine three-point baskets during his third quarter onslaught. Gervin didn’t have that luxury when he played, as the three-point line wasn’t featured during the 1978 season. Gervin scored his baskets the old fashioned way, mid-range jumpers and his patented finger roll.
While there isn’t a definite number of field goals or free throw attempts made during Gervin’s former record setting quarter, one thing remains clear, he did so without the use of the three point basket. This is something Gervin made very clear when he learned about Thompson’s performance.
“I said Wowwwww, that’s pretty impressive.” But I’d like to see him try to get 33 or 37 in a quarter, when there wasn’t a three-point line.”
Thompson’s record-setting quarter is easily one of the greatest scoring performances of all-time, but Gervin has a very valid point. The game has evolved, and so have its players, but Gervin’s record is untouchable.
The three-point line is new school NBA, and Gervin is about as old school as they come.