In a game that will be remembered for its historical significance, the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors combined for a stunning 48 three-pointers, setting a new NBA record. The Mavericks emerged victorious with a 143-133 win over the Warriors in San Francisco, but the real story was the dazzling display of three-point shooting that unfolded over four quarters.
The spectacle of long-range shooting started early, with the Warriors setting a new franchise milestone by sinking 18 three-pointers in the first half alone. By the game's end, Golden State matched its franchise record with a stunning 27 three-pointers. Previously, teams were undefeated when hitting 27 or more threes, a testament to the rarity and significance of such an achievement.
Luka Doncic lit up the court with an incredible performance that included a triple-double: 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds. Doncic's precision from downtown, hitting 6 of 11 attempts, was instrumental in the Mavericks' triumph. The night was further amplified by standout efforts from Klay Thompson, who scored a season-high 29 points, netting 7 out of 11 attempts from beyond the arc, and Stephen Curry, who also contributed seven successful long-range shots.
A Night of Records
This record-breaking performance shattered the previous mark of 44 combined three-pointers, set merely two nights earlier by the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns. February 2023 initially saw the record established by the Sacramento Kings and LA Clippers, only for it to be surpassed twice in quick succession, reflecting the evolving nature of the modern game.
Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green also played key roles in Golden State’s offensive burst, with Wiggins tallying 29 points and a 5-of-9 showing in three-point attempts, while Green contributed five successful long-range shots.
The pace and depth of three-point shooting in today's game are undeniably changing. Teams had averaged 37.5 three-point attempts per game entering Sunday's high-flying contest, marking an increase of 2.4 attempts from the previous season. Such figures highlight a league-wide trend that sees teams increasingly reliant on long-range shooting to gain competitive edges.
Disappointments in the Perimeter Battle
Yet, even in this vein of record-setting performances, the volatility of the three-point shot remains apparent. On the same week's Friday showdown, the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets combined to miss an astounding 75 three-pointers, setting an unenviable record for the most missed three-pointers in a regulation game. This reinforces the idea that while the three-point revolution has opened up new frontiers, it comes with risks of lower-percentage shooting nights.
Legendary Aspirations
Klay Thompson, after delivering one of his standout performances of the season, reflected on his time with Golden State while looking ahead with confidence: "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 remarks echoed a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the team's storied past, yet his forward-looking ambition resonated just as powerfully: "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."
The night demonstrated not just a single game's worth of skill but also encapsulated broader trends within the league. With shooting prowess constantly being showcased and records persistently under threat, the NBA continues to captivate fans with evolving strategies and unforgettable performances. As teams adjust to these new dynamics, there's little doubt that the thrill of the three-point shot will remain a defining feature of the game.