The NBA's fascination with the three-point shot reached new heights as the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors combined for a staggering 48 long-range bombs in a single game, setting a new league record. On a night where the lines between a shootout and an All-Star weekend seemed blurred, the Mavericks emerged victorious, defeating the Warriors 143-133 in a thrilling contest held in San Francisco.
A Historic Night in the Bay
Just two days prior, fans had witnessed the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns collaborate for 44 three-pointers, which equaled the previous benchmark set back in February 2023 by the Sacramento Kings and LA Clippers. Yet this record was short-lived, as the Mavericks and Warriors displayed an offensive showcase that will be etched in the annals of NBA history.
Luka Doncic was once again the catalyst for the Mavericks, delivering a mesmerizing performance with a triple-double stat line – 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds – while shooting 6 of 11 from beyond the arc. His brilliance was unyielding, guiding Dallas to both a team victory and a place in the record books.
Warriors’ Fiery First Half
The Warriors, known for their strong perimeter shooting, did not disappoint their home crowd. Setting a new franchise record, they knocked down 18 three-pointers in the first half alone. By the end of the game, they matched their franchise record with 27 successful three-point attempts, a mark that, until this game, had secured wins for any team reaching it during a contest. Yet, the Mavericks refused to be just another statistic.
Individual Brilliance Shines Through
Klay Thompson had his best scoring output of the season, racking up 29 points while sinking 7 of his 11 three-point attempts. Reflecting on the atmosphere, he said, “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.”
Stephen Curry, another force to contend with, mirrored Thompson's precision with seven three-pointers, continuing to dazzle fans with his trademark shooting prowess. Andrew Wiggins also contributed greatly, chipping in with 29 points on 5 of 9 shooting from beyond the arc, and even Draymond Green joined the fray, making five three-pointers to keep the Warriors competitive.
Chasing the Three-Point Dream
Despite their valiant effort, the Warriors fell short, proving that in the modern NBA, quantity often pairs with quality but does not assure victory. Before this matchup, teams were undefeated when making 27 or more three-pointers in a single game, a streak now broken by the resolute Mavericks.
League-wide, the appetite for three-pointers has grown insatiably. Teams entering Sunday averaged 37.5 attempts per game, marking an increase of 2.4 shots from the previous NBA season. This statistical uptick highlights the game's evolving nature, where perimeter shots take precedence over traditional post play.
Elsewhere in NBA circles, the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets combined to conjure a different sort of milestone, missing a record 75 three-point attempts in a single regulation game. While not a record to be admired, it underscores the league's collective shift towards the three-point line, for better or worse.
A New Dawn for the Mavericks
For Thompson, who has experienced the highs of his career in the Bay Area, this game marked a transition as he expressed optimism about his new journey with Dallas. “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 shared, echoing a vision of hope and untapped potential for his new squad.
As the league continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: the three-point shot will be at the center of basketball strategy. Nights like these, replete with record-breaking performances and individual heroics, are becoming the standard rather than the exception in today's NBA. Whether this trend continues to redefine success in the league is a storyline worth monitoring as teams attempt to navigate this era of basketball dynamite.