In a thrilling showdown at the Chase Center in San Francisco, the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors set the NBA ablaze by combining for a record-breaking 48 three-pointers in a single game. This electrifying feat shattered the previous record of 44, which was astonishingly set just two nights prior by the Utah Jazz and the Phoenix Suns, overtaking the February 2023 record established by the Sacramento Kings and LA Clippers.
The Mavericks emerged victorious in this shooting spectacle, defeating the Warriors 143-133. Central to Dallas’s triumph was the indomitable Luka Doncic, who delivered a mesmerising performance with a triple-double, tallying 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds. Doncic’s proficiency from beyond the arc was undeniable as he drained 6 of his 11 three-point attempts, further solidifying his status as one of the NBA's premier players.
Warriors' Record-Setting First Half
Golden State made an indelible mark in franchise history during the first half, setting a new high-water mark with 18 three-pointers. They would go on to match their overall franchise record of 27 three-pointers in a game, a mark that, until now, almost always guaranteed victory. Prior to this matchup, no team had lost after making 27 or more three-pointers in a game—but such is the nature of basketball’s unpredictability.
Klay Thompson, a long-time cornerstone of the Warriors’ success, captured the hearts of fans with a season-high 29 points, making 7 of his 11 three-point attempts. Thompson's impressive return to form prompted a heartfelt reflection, “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 performance, exemplary as it was, was not enough to stave off the Mavericks’ offensive onslaught.
Mavericks' Shooting Masterclass
While the Warriors dazzled with their shooting, the Mavericks met the challenge head-on with a barrage of their own. Stephen Curry, a maestro of momentum, matched Thompson with seven made three-pointers, while Andrew Wiggins posted 29 points with 5 of his 9 attempted threes finding the bottom of the net. Draymond Green, known more for his defensive prowess and playmaking, managed to sink five three-pointers, contributing significantly to the Warriors’ tally.
However, Doncic and his Mavericks counterparts performed just a bit better, effectively weathering the Warriors’ wide array of shooters. As Doncic orchestrated the Dallas offense with surgical precision, it became increasingly clear that the Mavericks have potent potential this season. As Thompson noted, "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."
Changing Dynamics in NBA Shooting
The game underscored the evolving dynamics in NBA strategies, particularly the increasing reliance on the three-point shot. Entering Sunday, teams averaged 37.5 three-point attempts per game, a notable uptick of 2.4 attempts compared to the previous season. This change in focus is apparent in the records being constantly rewritten, as seen with the Bulls and Hornets combining to miss a record 75 three-pointers in a game the Friday prior, highlighting both the risks and rewards of this long-range approach.
As the NBA moves deeper into a new era defined by distance shooting, this unforgettable clash between the Mavericks and Warriors, marked by a historic number of made three-pointers, eloquently illustrates the high-stakes excitement that continues to capture fans' imaginations worldwide. Each game now stands as a testament to the spectacular capacity of the game's most elite shooters, making the possibility of future record-breaking performances not just likely, but imminent.