In an electrifying display of long-range shooting prowess, the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors combined for a staggering 48 three-pointers, setting a new NBA record. The spectacle unfolded in San Francisco, where the Mavericks secured a 143-133 victory over the Warriors, leaving fans and analysts alike marveling at the offensive fireworks.
This remarkable achievement surpassed the previous record of 44 combined three-pointers, set just two nights earlier in a contest between the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns. The record was originally established in February 2023 by the Sacramento Kings and LA Clippers, underscoring the rapid evolution and growing emphasis on perimeter shooting in today's game.
Luka Doncic, the Mavericks' talismanic guard, orchestrated a masterful performance, logging a triple-double with an astounding 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds. His six successful three-point attempts out of eleven were instrumental in navigating Dallas through an offensive clinic. Notably, Doncic's all-around brilliance continues to solidify his status as one of the premier talents in the league.
The Warriors, despite the loss, delivered a compelling narrative of their own. In the first half alone, they set a new franchise benchmark by drilling 18 three-pointers. By the end of the game, they matched their franchise record with 27 successful shots from beyond the arc. Previously, teams that hit 27 or more threes in a game had notched an undefeated record, making this loss an anomalous footnote in basketball's statistical archives.
Klay Thompson, a lynchpin of the Warriors' backcourt, contributed a season-high 29 points and splashed home seven of his eleven three-point tries. Reflecting on the night, Thompson expressed his enduring appreciation for the Warriors' faithful, stating, "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." Yet, Thompson's eyes are set on future endeavors, as he anticipates creating new memories with the Mavericks: "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."
Complementing Thompson's output, Stephen Curry, arguably among the greatest shooters ever, also added seven three-pointers to his name. Meanwhile, Andrew Wiggins, displaying a newfound confidence in his shot, tallied 29 points, including five solid hits from downtown. Draymond Green added another five three-pointers, rounding out a robust offensive effort from Golden State.
The context of this game speaks to a broader trend within the NBA, where teams are increasingly reliant on three-point shooting as a core component of their scoring strategies. The league's teams had averaged 37.5 attempts per game leading into Sunday, marking a noticeable rise of 2.4 attempts from the previous season. This uptick reflects both the strategic innovations of coaches and the expanded skill set of players who are now more proficient than ever in shooting from distance.
Ironically, not all records set this week were positive highlights. In a game prior, the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets combined to miss a historic 75 three-pointers, setting an unfortunate record for the most missed attempts in a regulation game. This serves as a sober reminder of the highs and lows of pursuing the three-point shot in modern basketball.
As teams continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible from behind the arc, fans are treated to night-after-night spectacles that redefine scoring potential. For Doncic, Thompson, Curry, and their peers, the challenge remains—to push these boundaries further still, crafting new legends in an era defined by sharpshooting excellence.