In a dazzling display of long-range shooting, the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors set a new NBA benchmark by combining for an unprecedented 48 three-pointers in a single game. The Mavericks emerged victorious with a 143-133 triumph in San Francisco, but the historic nature of the evening extended far beyond the final score.
Record-Breaking Night
This remarkable three-point spectacle eclipsed the previous record of 44 combined threes, established just two days earlier by the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns. The initial record was set in February 2023 by the Sacramento Kings and LA Clippers. Yet, in the dynamic world of professional basketball, records are made to be broken, often in rapid succession.
The Mavericks’ Luka Doncic stole the show with an exceptional triple-double, amassing 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds, punctuated by hitting 6 of his 11 attempts from beyond the arc. Doncic’s performance underscored his extraordinary talents, firmly establishing him as one of the league's premier stars.
Warriors' Franchise Feats
Despite the loss, the Warriors showcased their long-standing prowess in three-point shooting. They set a franchise record by hitting 18 three-pointers in the first half alone, eventually matching their previous franchise-high total of 27 three-pointers. This explosive shooting was reminiscent of the Warriors' dominance in past seasons, cementing their reputation as a team always ready to make history.
Klay Thompson, a linchpin in Golden State's illustrious run, netted a season-high 29 points, converting an impressive 7 of his 11 three-point attempts. Reflecting on his time with the Warriors, Thompson shared, "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 sentiment reflects the enduring connection and impact he has had on the franchise and its fans.
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins each contributed significantly to the Warriors’ offensive efforts. Curry mirrored Thompson's outside shooting with seven threes, while Wiggins added 29 points, sinking 5 of his 9 attempts from deep. Draymond Green, known more for his versatility than shooting, surprised many by draining five three-pointers, underscoring the collective shooting prowess on display.
Changing Dynamics in the NBA
This game also highlighted the evolving style of play in the NBA. Teams had been averaging 37.5 three-point attempts per game as of that Sunday, an uptick of 2.4 attempts from the previous season. This shift reflects a strategic evolution toward prioritizing perimeter shooting in the league.
The increasing emphasis on the three-point shot was further underscored by a contrasting event when the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets set a record for missed three-pointers, totaling 75 misses in a regulation game. This highlights the high-risk, high-reward nature of the three-point strategy that defines current basketball trends.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks' future appears promising, especially with Doncic at the helm. Klay Thompson, now an influential figure in Dallas, expressed optimism about the team's potential, saying, "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." With such conviction, the Mavericks' quest for greatness seems plausible and within reach.
As the NBA progresses, the data from this extraordinary game between the Mavericks and Warriors will stand as a testament to the rapidly changing dynamic of modern basketball, where three-point shooting is not just a trend but a defining element of the sport itself.