In a dazzling display of long-range prowess, the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors shattered the NBA record for combined three-pointers in a single game, as fans were treated to a thrilling exhibition of sharpshooting. The two teams combined for an unprecedented 48 three-point shots, eclipsing the former record of 44, which was astonishingly set just two nights prior in a matchup between the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns.
The Mavericks emerged victorious in this high-octane contest, defeating the Warriors 143-133 in San Francisco. Leading the charge for Dallas was the versatile and talented Luka Doncic, who orchestrated a masterful triple-double performance. Doncic was everywhere on the court, amassing 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds while hitting 6 of 11 attempts from beyond the arc. His all-around brilliance was the driving force behind Dallas' commanding victory.
A Game to Remember for Golden State
While Dallas claimed the win, the Warriors had their own milestones to celebrate. Golden State set a new franchise record with 18 three-pointers in the first half alone. The team matched their franchise record with 27 total three-pointers made throughout the game. Remarkably, before this encounter, teams had never lost when making 27 or more three-pointers in a single game, highlighting the extraordinary nature of the Mavericks' success.
Klay Thompson, one of the Warriors' stalwarts, had fans reminiscing about his legendary exploits in San Francisco with a season-high 29 points. Thompson was particularly lethal from downtown, making 7 of his 11 three-point attempts. Reflecting on his time in the city, 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." Looking forward to the future, he expressed optimism about his current team's 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."
Stephen Curry, the other half of the Warriors' dynamic duo, added seven more three-pointers to his team's tally, while Andrew Wiggins echoed Thompson's scoring with 29 points, converting 5 of 9 from long range. Draymond Green also contributed off the bench, making an unexpected five three-pointers, providing a significant boost to Golden State's offensive efforts.
League-Wide Shooting Trends
This game underscored a broader trend within the NBA: an explosive increase in three-point attempts. As of Sunday, teams were averaging 37.5 three-point attempts per game, reflecting a notable rise of 2.4 attempts from the previous season. However, the strategy of relying heavily on the three-point shot can be a double-edged sword. This was evident in a separate matchup when the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets combined to miss a staggering 75 three-pointers, setting a record for the most missed shots from beyond the arc in a regulation game.
The Mavericks and Warriors, however, showed that when the shots are falling, the three-pointer can be a formidable weapon. The spectacle on display in San Francisco was a testament to the skill and precision of today’s NBA athletes, capable of redefining the boundaries of offensive play with each outing. Given the rate at which shooting records are being rewritten, the NBA might very well witness a few more legendary moments before this season concludes.