In an electrifying showdown at the Chase Center in San Francisco, the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors shattered NBA records by collectively draining 48 three-pointers, setting a new benchmark for long-range shooting in a single game. This spectacle outdid the previous record of 44 set just two nights before by the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns, which in turn had eclipsed the mark initially set in February 2023 by the Sacramento Kings and LA Clippers.
Record-Breaking Performances
The Mavericks emerged victorious in the high-scoring affair, edging out the Warriors 143-133. Luka Doncic was the linchpin of Dallas's triumph, recording a breathtaking triple-double with 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds. Beyond his traditional stat line contributions, Doncic also excelled from beyond the arc, hitting 6 of his 11 three-point attempts. This performance underscored his multifaceted skill set and capacity to ignite his team in critical matchups.
On the other side, the Warriors’ sharpshooting was equally impressive, with the team reaching new heights in franchise history. Golden State set a franchise record with 18 three-pointers in the first half alone and matched their overall franchise record with 27 three-pointers in the game. With prior statistics showing that teams were previously undefeated when making 27 or more three-pointers, this outcome was a historical anomaly in a contest that defied the odds.
Key Contributors
Klay Thompson, recovering his form, delivered a standout performance reminiscent of his pre-injury days. He scored a season-high 29 points, making 7 of his 11 three-point attempts. Reflecting on his experience, Thompson shared his appreciation for his time with the Warriors, 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, his focus has shifted toward the future with Dallas, candidly noting, "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."
Stephen Curry played his usual marksman role, sinking seven three-pointers and maintaining pressure on the Mavericks' defense throughout the game. Andrew Wiggins also contributed significantly to the Warriors' scoring, matching Thompson's 29 points while hitting 5 of his 9 three-point shots. Moreover, Draymond Green added another layer to his game by making five three-pointers, underscoring the team's multifaceted offensive strategy.
Changing Dynamics of the Game
This game occurred against a backdrop of evolving strategies in the NBA, where teams are increasingly relying on the three-point shot as a foundational element of their offensive schemes. Before this matchup, teams were averaging 37.5 three-point attempts per game, a significant uptick of 2.4 attempts from the previous season. This shift in strategy is dramatically altering game dynamics and has been a frequent talking point among analysts and fans alike.
In contrast, not every high-volume shooting affair results in record-breaking accuracy. On the Friday prior to the Mavericks-Warriors battle, the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets combined to miss 75 three-pointers, setting a record for the most missed in a regulation game. This statistic illustrates the high-risk, high-reward nature of the modern NBA's embrace of the three-point line.
Looking Ahead
As the NBA season progresses, the implications of this three-point explosion continue to unfold. Teams are not only breaking records at an unprecedented pace but are also redefining the strategies that shape victories and losses. For the Mavericks and Warriors, their recent clash is one chapter in a season where three-point prowess is rewriting how the game is played and appreciated.