On a memorable night in San Francisco, basketball fans were treated to an astounding display of three-point shooting as the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors combined for an unprecedented 48 three-pointers, setting a new NBA record. This explosive performance eclipsed the previous mark of 44, which had been set just days earlier by the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns, and originally established in February 2023 by the Sacramento Kings and LA Clippers.
In a thrilling showdown that concluded with the Mavericks defeating the Warriors 143-133, Luka Doncic shone brightest, delivering a remarkable triple-double. Doncic tallied an impressive 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds, while proving his prowess from beyond the arc with six successful three-pointers out of eleven attempts. His exceptional performance was instrumental in leading the Mavericks to victory.
Golden State's First Half Bonanza
The Warriors showcased their own three-point artillery, setting a franchise record with 18 made three-pointers in the first half alone. This offensive outburst exemplified Golden State's shooting capabilities, yet was not enough to secure a win against the relentless Mavericks. By the game's conclusion, the Warriors had equaled their franchise record of 27 three-pointers in a single game. Notably, before this contest, teams had been undefeated when scoring 27 or more three-pointers in a game, underscoring the rarity of such scoring feats not translating into victory.
Individual Brilliance Amidst Team Effort
Klay Thompson put on a shooting clinic, scoring a season-high 29 points, with a sharp 7-of-11 from beyond the arc. "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," expressed Thompson after the game, clearly nostalgic yet motivated for future successes. Meanwhile, Stephen Curry, another maestro of the long-range shot, matched Thompson's tally with seven successful three-pointers. Andrew Wiggins complemented the Warriors' attack with 29 points, making five out of nine three-point attempts, while Draymond Green contributed significantly with five three-pointers of his own. This collective firepower, however, was insufficient to counter Luka Doncic's dominant display and the Mavericks' all-round teamwork.
Broader Context in a Three-Point Revolution
This record-breaking game highlighted the growing emphasis on three-pointers in modern basketball. As teams push the boundaries of offensive strategies, they have increasingly relied on perimeter shooting as a pivotal component of their game. Entering Sunday, teams had averaged 37.5 three-point attempts per game—a noticeable increase of 2.4 attempts from the previous season. This trend reflects a league-wide shift towards a more dynamic, fast-paced style of play where the three-point shot is king.
However, the pursuit of three-point glory comes with its pitfalls. Just two nights before this record-setting game, the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets showcased the other side of this equation, combining to miss a staggering 75 three-point attempts, setting a record for the most misses in a regulation game. Such disparities in performance underscore the volatile nature of three-point shooting and its potential to either make—or break—a team's fortunes on any given night.
The Road Ahead for Dallas
With aspirations beyond this regular season triumph, Klay Thompson expressed his vision for future success with a focus on the Mavericks’ potential. "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," Thompson stated, underscoring a belief in the Mavericks' capacity for greatness.
As teams continue to elevate long-range shooting to new heights, the eventual balance between outside marksmanship and traditional basketball fundamentals will undoubtedly be tested and refined. For now, though, the Mavericks and Warriors’ evening of three-point theatrics is etched into the annals of NBA history, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the exhilarating possibilities at the intersection of talent and innovation in basketball.