Mavericks and Warriors Shatter Three-Point Record in High-Scoring Showdown
The Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors etched their names into the annals of basketball history with a dazzling display of long-range shooting, combining for an unprecedented 48 three-pointers in a single game. This momentous achievement unfolded in San Francisco, where the Mavericks emerged victorious over the Warriors in a high-octane contest, triumphing 143-133.
A Night of Long-Range Precision
With all eyes on the hardwood, both teams embraced a three-point shooting frenzy that obliterated the previous record for combined three-pointers in a game, which stood at 44. That record had been set just two nights earlier by the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns, and before that, in February 2023, by the Sacramento Kings and LA Clippers. However, what unfolded at Chase Center was a shooting spectacle that pushed the boundaries of what was seemingly possible from beyond the arc.
For the Mavericks, it was Luka Doncic who led the charge with a dominant performance, recording a triple-double with 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds. Doncic was particularly effective from three-point range, draining 6 of his 11 attempts to help propel his team to victory.
Warriors' Three-Point Barrage
On the other side, the Warriors' sharpshooters matched the Mavericks stride for stride. In a first-half blitz, Golden State set a new franchise record by sinking 18 three-pointers. This relentless pursuit of perimeter success allowed them to tie their own franchise record for the most three-pointers made in a game, with a total of 27.
Remarkably, up until this showdown, teams had been undefeated when making 27 or more three-pointers in a single game. Yet, in a season defined by perimeter prowess, even that impressive feat was not enough to secure victory against the unrelenting Mavericks.
Klay Thompson, a hallmark of consistency for the Warriors, scored a season-high 29 points while hitting 7 of 11 three-pointers. His performance not only thrilled the home crowd but also evoked sentiments of gratitude for the adulation he has consistently received from fans: "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," Thompson reflected post-game.
Thompson's long-time teammate, Stephen Curry, also showcased his shooting prowess, matching Thompson's seven three-pointers in the game. Complementing the Splash Brothers' effort, Andrew Wiggins tallied 29 points, converting 5 of his 9 three-point shots, while Draymond Green chipped in with five triples of his own.
An Era of Three-Point Revolution
This season's statistical averages only underscore the NBA's evolution into a league defined by its three-point shooting. Teams were averaging 37.5 three-point attempts per game entering the weekend, an increase of 2.4 attempts compared to the previous season. This surge signifies a transformative shift in basketball philosophy, with teams prioritizing spacing and sharpshooting as foundational pillars of their offensive schemes.
Meanwhile, the challenges of long-range consistency were on full display in another notable encounter between the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets. In their matchup, the two teams combined to miss a jaw-dropping 75 three-pointers, setting a record for the most missed three-pointers in a regulation game.
The Road Ahead
As Klay Thompson looks toward the future, there is a sense of optimism for the road ahead with the Warriors and beyond. "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," he added, echoing a sentiment resonant with the undeniable talent at his and the Warriors' disposal.
The Mavericks' triumph over the Warriors amidst a barrage of three-pointers not only cements their place in the record books but also raises intriguing prospects for how strategic long-range plays will continue to influence the landscape of the NBA. As teams and players push the limits of the possible from behind the arc, fans and pundits alike are left to ponder what legendary moments lie ahead in this era of three-point revolution.