In a spectacular display of long-range prowess, the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors etched their names into the NBA record books, combining for an unprecedented 48 three-pointers in a single game. This feat eclipsed the previous mark of 44, set just two nights earlier by the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns, and initially established in February 2023 by the Sacramento Kings and LA Clippers. The electrifying contest culminated in a 143-133 victory for the Mavericks in San Francisco.
Record-Setting Performances
Luka Doncic played a pivotal role in the Mavericks' triumph, notching a remarkable triple-double. Doncic tallied 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds, showing sniper-like precision by connecting on 6 of his 11 attempts from beyond the arc. His all-around performance underscored why he's one of the NBA's most dynamic talents.
The Warriors, despite defeat, achieved notable milestones of their own. They set a franchise record with 18 three-pointers in the first half and matched their existing record with 27 throughout the game. It's a testament to the firepower of a lineup featuring shooters of Hall of Fame caliber.
Before this momentous encounter, no team had ever lost a game in which they made 27 or more three-pointers, illustrating the uniqueness of the Mavericks' victory under such circumstances.
Star Players Shine Bright
Golden State's Klay Thompson delivered a season-high performance, scoring 29 points and shooting 7 of 11 from the three-point line. In reflecting on his storied career and future aspirations, 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." Yet his words also carried an optimism for what lies ahead as he added, "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."
Not to be outdone, Stephen Curry matched Thompson's output with seven successful three-point conversions of his own, reminding fans of his unerring accuracy and the perennial threat he poses from long range. Andrew Wiggins chipped in with 29 points while making 5 of his 9 three-point attempts, further solidifying the Warriors' offensive thrust. In an unusual display from beyond the arc, Draymond Green also contributed five three-pointers, an area of his game not usually highlighted in postgame summaries.
Rising Three-Point Trends
This game not only highlighted the individual brilliance on display but also underscored broader trends in the NBA. With teams averaging 37.5 three-point attempts per game, a marked increase of 2.4 attempts from the previous season, it's clear that long-range shooting is more integral to modern basketball strategy than ever. The steady rise of the three-pointer reflects changing offensive strategies focusing on pace, spacing, and maximizing scoring efficiency.
In stark contrast to the sharpshooting showcase in San Francisco, the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets set a different kind of record the previous Friday, combining to miss 75 three-point attempts, the most ever in a regulation game. This stands as a reminder that while the emphasis on the long ball can lead to breathtaking performances, it can equally result in struggle and frustration when shots aren't falling.
As teams continue to embrace and push the boundaries of three-point shooting, such record-setting performances are unlikely to be anomalies but may become markers of the evolving nature of the game. The Mavericks-Warriors showdown is a testament to the spectacle that basketball can offer at its most thrilling and illustrates a perpetual dance as teams balance statistical wisdom with the raw excitement of play.