In a spectacular display of shooting prowess, the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors teamed up to shatter a significant NBA record. The two teams combined for a staggering 48 three-pointers, setting a new benchmark in the league's history. This achievement eclipsed the previous record of 44, which had been set only two nights earlier by the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns and was originally established in February 2023 by the Sacramento Kings and LA Clippers.
The high-octane matchup culminated in the Mavericks' triumph over the Warriors with a final score of 143-133 in San Francisco. Dallas's victory was spearheaded by Luka Doncic, whose performance was nothing short of extraordinary. Doncic notched up a triple-double, amassing 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds. His accuracy from beyond the arc was commendable as he sank 6 of his 11 three-point attempts.
Warriors' Record Performance
The Warriors, despite the loss, delivered a formidable performance of their own. They set a new franchise record with an impressive 18 three-pointers in the first half alone. Matching their franchise record, the Warriors ended the game with 27 three-pointers, a feat that, until this game, had always resulted in victories for teams hitting such high numbers from long range. Klay Thompson, a perennial favorite with the fans, delivered a season-high 29 points and made 7 of his 11 three-point attempts. Reflecting on the occasion, Thompson 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."
Adding to their firepower, Stephen Curry also contributed with seven successful shots from beyond the arc. Andrew Wiggins matched Thompson's score of 29 points, converting 5 of his 9 three-point attempts. Versatile forward Draymond Green also got in on the act, assisting the Warriors' three-point barrage with five successful shots.
Statistical Overview
This thrilling encounter was a testament to the evolving nature of the NBA, where the long-range shot continues to revolutionize how the game is played. Prior to this game, teams had been averaging 37.5 three-point attempts per game entering the weekend. This statistic indicated an uptick of 2.4 attempts from the previous season, showcasing the league's increasing reliance on perimeter shooting.
Not all teams, however, shared the same level of success from long distance over the weekend. The matchup between the Chicago Bulls and the Charlotte Hornets showcased the other side of the three-point phenomenon, as both teams combined to miss an unfortunate 75 shots from downtown. This tally set a record for the most missed three-pointers in a regulation game, underscoring the volatility of relying on the long-range game.
Looking Ahead
As the NBA season progresses, this game stands as a benchmark for the capabilities of teams to integrate the three-point shot into their offensive arsenals. It also highlights the talents of individual players like Klay Thompson, who expressed optimism about his future endeavors: "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."
This record-breaking game between the Mavericks and Warriors is not just a highlight reel extravaganza but a pivotal moment in the NBA's ongoing evolution towards a more dynamic and three-point-centered style of play. With each game, records are not only being set but redefined by the relentless pursuit of long-range excellence.