The sound of the net swishing echoed throughout the Chase Center as the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors combined to make history with a record-breaking 48 three-pointers in a single game. This astounding feat eclipsed the previous high of 44, set only two nights earlier by the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns — a record that was initially established by the Sacramento Kings and LA Clippers in February 2023.
In a high-scoring affair that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Mavericks emerged victorious with a 143-133 win over the Warriors in San Francisco. Luka Doncic led the charge for the Mavericks, recording an exceptional triple-double with 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds. His sharpshooting was evident as he drained 6 of 11 attempts from beyond the arc, showcasing why he's one of the league's most dynamic players.
Warriors Light Up the First Half
The Warriors, notorious for their three-point prowess, delivered a remarkable shooting display. They set a new franchise record by making an unparalleled 18 three-pointers in the first half alone. The game ended with them matching their franchise record of 27 three-pointers, a mark that traditionally guaranteed victory. Before this encounter, no team had lost after reaching 27 or more successful attempts from deep in a game.
Klay Thompson was in top form, pouring in a season-high 29 points while nailing 7 of his 11 three-point attempts. Reflecting on his performance and the evening’s atmosphere, 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." Despite the loss, he remains confident in the potential that awaits him and his teammates in 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," Thompson expressed optimistically.
Star-Studded Shooting Performances
Not to be outdone, Stephen Curry contributed significantly with seven three-pointers of his own, further asserting his reputation as one of the sport's greatest shooters. Meanwhile, Andrew Wiggins echoed Thompson’s scoring with 29 points, and a notable 5 of 9 from three-point range. Draymond Green also made his presence felt with five successful three-point attempts, underlining a Warriors squad fully embracing the modern emphasis on three-point shooting.
The game highlighted an ongoing trend in the league — an increasing reliance on the three-point shot. Teams entering the weekend had averaged 37.5 three-point attempts per game, marking an increase of 2.4 attempts from the previous season. Such changes speak to the evolving strategies and preferences defining today's NBA.
Three-Point Records Rewritten
Elsewhere on the courts, the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets found themselves setting a less favorable record, combining to miss 75 three-point shots in their matchup on Friday night. This figure sets a new benchmark for futility in a regulation game, a sharp contrast to the display put forth by the Mavericks and Warriors on Sunday.
The relentless pursuit of the three-point mark continues to redefine basketball, reshaping tactics, and delivering thrilling spectacles. As each team hones its ability to connect from long range, the entire league must adapt to this more dynamic and unpredictable landscape. In the wake of this historic game, players and coaches alike will continue striving to reach their own legendary moments, much like Luka Doncic and his squad triumphantly did against the very franchise synonymous with the three-point revolution.