In a game that redefined high-scoring shootouts, the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors lit up the scoreboard and the record books, combining for a staggering 48 three-pointers, a new milestone in NBA history. The thrilling duel, which saw the Mavericks edge out a 143-133 victory over the Warriors in San Francisco, showcased some of the most prolific shooting performances of the season.
Record Shattered
Prior to this matchup, the record for the most combined three-pointers in a game stood at 44. This mark was only recently set by the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns, who had quickly surpassed the previous high recorded by the Sacramento Kings and LA Clippers in February 2023. The Mavericks and Warriors, both helmed by exceptional shooters, made sure that the ink on the old record was barely dry before rewriting history.
Mavericks' Star Shines Bright
At the heart of Dallas' offensive barrage was Luka Doncic, who recorded a sensational triple-double with 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds. His performance was marred only by the Warriors' act of setting a new franchise record with 18 three-pointers in the first half alone. Doncic's prowess from beyond the arc was emphasized as he banked in six of his 11 attempts, steering his team to a commanding victory while displaying his usual mix of finesse and determination.
A Battle of Legendary Shooters
Golden State’s efforts were spearheaded by a dynamic trio, each contributing significantly to the high-octane challenge. Stephen Curry once again exhibited his three-point prowess, connecting seven times from deep. Klay Thompson, who notched a season-high 29 points, mirrored Curry's success with an identical tally of seven three-pointers from 11 attempts.
Thompson, reflecting on the allure of his former performances, remarked, "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." His statement resonates with the unforgettable moments he's delivered in Golden State, foreshadowing the legendary narratives he hopes to build in Dallas.
Meanwhile, Andrew Wiggins put on a clinic, not only matching Thompson’s point total but doing so with an impressive five successful three-point tries out of nine. Draymond Green, typically recognized more for his defense and playmaking, contributed significantly with five three-pointers as well.
Breaking Patterns
The Warriors matched their franchise record, netting 27 three-pointers in the game. This achievement highlighted an anomaly, as up until this record-breaking night, teams were undefeated when sinking 27 or more attempts from beyond the arc. However, the combination of the Mavericks' resolute defense and offensive sharpness ensured Golden State’s bid fell just short.
As NBA teams have heightened their focus on perimeter shooting, the average number of three-point attempts per game has seen a marked increase. Teams had averaged 37.5 attempts per game entering the weekend, a rise of 2.4 per game from last season, illustrating the evolutionary pace of the modern game.
Effort over Execution
Despite the night's stellar display, it wasn't all perfect, as evidenced in another notable game—a matchup between the Chicago Bulls and the Charlotte Hornets. These teams struggled from deep, combining to miss 75 three-point shots, setting a less enviable record for the most missed three-pointers in a regulation game.
Reflecting on the night and looking forward, Thompson optimistically stated, "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 words echo a sentiment of hope and ambition that seems as limitless as the range showcased in Dallas' electrifying performance.
In a rapidly evolving league, games like these are a testament to the heavy emphasis placed on three-point shooting, fostering an environment where records fall as often as they are made. As the season progresses, such displays set the stage for an era arguably defined by its prowess and precision from beyond the arc.