The Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors showcased a dazzling display of three-point shooting prowess in San Francisco, combining for a staggering 48 three-pointers to set a new NBA record. This explosive performance eclipsed the previous record of 44, established only 48 hours earlier by the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns. The earlier milestone itself had surpassed the February 2023 record held by the Sacramento Kings and LA Clippers.
In this thrilling encounter, the Mavericks emerged victorious, outscoring the Warriors 143-133. At the heart of Dallas’s triumph was Luka Doncic, who delivered a standout performance with a triple-double, amassing 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds. Doncic also impressed with his efficiency from beyond the arc, sinking 6 of his 11 three-point attempts. His ability to orchestrate the Mavericks’ offense, combined with his scoring, underscores why many consider him one of the league’s brightest stars.
Warriors’ Shooting Barrage
The Warriors, renowned for their own long-range shooting capabilities, kept pace in this high-octane shootout. Remarkably, they set a new franchise record with 18 three-pointers made in the first half alone, a testament to their aggressive style and fluency on the offensive end. By the game’s conclusion, the Warriors had tied their franchise record with 27 three-pointers. Prior to this encounter, no NBA team had experienced defeat in a game where they made 27 or more three-pointers, underscoring the rarity of the Warriors' loss.
Klay Thompson, a key contributor to this shooting gallery, recorded a season-high 29 points while connecting on 7 of his 11 three-point attempts. Reflecting on his career and contributions, Thompson shared with evident emotion, "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 ambitions remain steadfast as he looks toward Dallas with optimism: "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."
Individual Highlights Amid Record-Breaking Game
Stephen Curry, synonymous with shooting excellence, mirrored Thompson’s output by making seven three-point shots, continuing his streak of impactful performances. Meanwhile, Andrew Wiggins matched Thompson’s point total with 29 and succeeded on 5 of his 9 attempts from deep. Draymond Green, typically celebrated for his playmaking and defensive efforts, added to the shooting spectacle by contributing five three-pointers, illustrating the multi-faceted threat posed by Steve Kerr's lineup.
The offensive fireworks in San Francisco also highlighted a broader trend within the league. Entering the game, NBA teams averaged 37.5 three-point attempts per game—a notable increase of 2.4 attempts from the preceding season. This evolution in playing style illustrates the ongoing transformation of basketball towards perimeter-oriented play, where three-point proficiency is pivotal.
A Contrast in Shooting Fortunes
While the Mavericks and Warriors indulged fans with their shooting accuracy, not all teams enjoyed similar fortunes. In a contrasting narrative, the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets combined to miss a staggering 75 three-pointers in a game on Friday, setting an unfortunate record for the most missed three-pointers in a regulation game. Such disparity in shooting successes exemplifies the high-risk, high-reward nature of relying heavily on three-point shooting as a strategy.
The Mavericks' victory against the Warriors reinforces the competitive dynamics shaping the current NBA landscape, where any accomplishment feels contested by the potential to set a new record days later. As teams continue to push boundaries with their offensive strategies, expect the league’s history books to be rewritten frequently as players and teams adapt, innovate, and excel.