In a dazzling display of long-range shooting, the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors set a new NBA record by combining for 48 three-point shots in a single game. The Mavericks emerged victorious, defeating the Warriors 143-133 in a high-octane battle in San Francisco. This performance shattered the previous record of 44 combined three-pointers, which was set just two nights earlier by the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns. Prior to that, the Sacramento Kings and LA Clippers had held the record since February 2023.
The star of the night was undoubtedly Luka Doncic, who recorded a magnificent triple-double, contributing 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds. His accuracy from beyond the arc was formidable, sinking 6 of his 11 three-point attempts. Doncic's remarkable performance was key to the Mavericks securing their win in this historic encounter.
Warriors' Unprecedented Shooting Performance
The Warriors also had an incredible shooting night. They set a new franchise record by hitting 18 three-pointers in the first half alone, illustrating the explosive pace and precision of their gameplay. By the end of the match, they had tied another franchise record with a total of 27 three-pointers, a milestone that usually guarantees victory. Interestingly, prior to this game, no team had ever lost after making 27 or more three-pointers.
Klay Thompson, a long-time talisman for the Warriors, scored a season-high 29 points and made an impressive 7 out of 11 three-point attempts. "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," Thompson remarked, reflecting on the atmosphere and his performance. "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," he added, pointing to the potential he sees in his current team.
Not to be outdone, Stephen Curry also sank seven three-pointers over the course of the game. Andrew Wiggins matched Thompson with 29 points, converting 5 of his 9 three-point attempts, while Draymond Green chipped in with five successful three-pointers.
Broader Trends in Three-Point Shooting
This game is reflective of a broader trend in the NBA, where teams are increasingly reliant on three-point shooting as a cornerstone of their offensive strategy. As of Sunday, teams averaged 37.5 attempts from beyond the arc per game, an increase of 2.4 attempts from the previous season. This statistical uptick underscores the evolving strategies in the league, as teams continue to capitalize on the scoring potential of three-pointers.
Conversely, the fascination with long-range shooting can also lead to some less favorable outcomes. For instance, the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets combined to miss a staggering 75 three-point attempts in their recent matchup, setting the record for the most missed three-point shots in a regulation game.
In the end, while the Warriors commandeered an extraordinary shooting display, it was the Mavericks’ all-around performance, led by Luka Doncic's leadership and versatility, that carried the day. This game not only highlighted individual brilliance but also underlined the electrifying unpredictability of basketball. As teams continue to push the boundaries of what's possible from the three-point line, fans can anticipate even more thrilling nights on the horizon.