In an electrifying showdown that saw the Dallas Mavericks outpacing the Golden State Warriors, a new NBA record was set with both teams combining for an unprecedented 48 three-pointers. The spectacle unfolded at the Chase Center in San Francisco, culminating in a 143-133 victory for the Mavericks, led by the dazzling performance of Luka Doncic.
A Historic Night of Three-Point Shooting
The previous record of 44 combined three-pointers in a game had been set just two nights earlier when the Utah Jazz faced the Phoenix Suns, which had originally been established in February 2023 by the Sacramento Kings and LA Clippers. The Mavericks and Warriors’ performance not only shattered this record but also underscored the evolving dynamics of basketball where long-range shooting defines the game.
Luka Doncic was the star of the night, leading his team to victory with a brilliant triple-double that included 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds. His sharpshooting was on full display as he made 6 of his 11 three-point attempts, showcasing why he is regarded as one of the most versatile players in the league today.
Warriors' Record-Setting Efforts
The Warriors, despite the loss, also etched their name in the history books with phenomenal three-point shooting. They set a new franchise mark by draining 18 three-pointers in the first half, eventually matching their franchise record of 27 three-pointers made in a single game. Remarkably, before this matchup, teams had been undefeated when making 27 or more three-pointers in a game, illustrating just how extraordinary the evening was.
Klay Thompson was a key contributor to the Warriors' shooting prowess, netting a season-high 29 points with an impressive 7-for-11 shooting from beyond the arc. Reflecting on his performance and the atmosphere surrounding the game, Thompson shared, "It still warms my heart to see all the No. 11 jerseys, and it still makes me incredibly grateful for the time I did have here. Legendary stuff." Despite the defeat, Thompson's words expressed a deep connection to the fans and the team’s illustrious history.
Star Performances Abound
Stephen Curry, true to form, also made his mark by contributing seven three-point shots to the Warriors' tally. Meanwhile, Andrew Wiggins equaled Thompson's scoring output, notching 29 points and hitting 5 of his 9 attempts from distance. The Warriors’ display of long-range shooting was further bolstered by Draymond Green, who managed to sink five three-pointers, highlighting the breadth of talent in Golden State’s roster.
Klay Thompson, envisioning future successes for his team, expressed optimism and belief in the Mavericks’ potential, stating, "Now it's time to do some legendary stuff in Dallas. I truly believe in this team. We have all the ingredients to be really special." His comments point to the ambitions that drive elite athletes and teams post such historic performances, looking toward the horizons of championships and further glory.
The Evolving Game
As teams continue to push the limits of three-point shooting, the NBA is witnessing an increase in three-point attempts. Teams had averaged 37.5 three-point attempts per game entering this Sunday, a rise of 2.4 attempts from the previous season. This uptick underscores the shifting strategies as teams increasingly rely on perimeter shooting as a cornerstone of their offensive play.
However, the dark side of this three-point revolution is the propensity for misses, as reflected in the game between the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets earlier in the week. The teams combined to miss 75 three-pointers, setting a whopping record for the most missed shots from beyond the arc in a regulation game.
The Mavericks and Warriors have indeed set a benchmark for future contests, illustrating the ever-evolving nature of the sport where boundaries are continuously tested and redefined. As the season advances, fans and analysts alike will watch eagerly to see how teams adapt and which players will rise to meet these new challenges.