A Night of Record-Breaking Performances as Mavericks Triumph Over Warriors
In a spectacular showcase of perimeter shooting, the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors combined to shatter the NBA record for most three-pointers in a single game, with 48 successful attempts. This explosive performance eclipsed the previous record set just two nights earlier, when the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns combined for 44 three-pointers, a feat first established in February 2023 by the Sacramento Kings and LA Clippers.
The Mavericks emerged victorious in this high-scoring affair, defeating the Warriors 143-133 in an electrifying contest in San Francisco. Leading the charge was the Mavericks' star, Luka Doncic, who delivered a remarkable triple-double. Doncic poured in 45 points, dished out 13 assists, and grabbed 11 rebounds, making six of his 11 three-point attempts in the process. His all-around performance was a testament to his growing stature as one of the league's premier talents.
Warriors' Historic Shooting Display
The Warriors etched their name into the franchise record books with a dazzling first-half performance, draining 18 three-pointers and setting a new franchise mark. By game's end, they had matched their all-time record with a total of 27 three-pointers. Historically, teams scoring 27 or more from beyond the arc had been unbeatable, but the Mavericks' offensive onslaught was too much to overcome.
Klay Thompson, finding his form, scored a season-high 29 points while making 7 of his 11 attempts from beyond the arc. Reflecting on his performance and the support he continues to receive, Thompson expressed his gratitude: "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." However, Thompson remains focused on his future endeavors with a newfound sense of purpose, adding, "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."
A Wealth of Contributors
Stephen Curry, as ever, was lethal from deep, matching Thompson with seven successful three-pointers. Meanwhile, Andrew Wiggins added 29 points, making 5 of his 9 attempts from downtown. Draymond Green, rarely known for his three-point shooting, also contributed significantly with five treys of his own, reflecting the green-light approach embraced by both sides in a league increasingly dominated by long-range shooting.
Entering Sunday, teams were averaging 37.5 three-point attempts per game, representing a significant 2.4 attempt increase from the previous season. The current trend towards embracing the three-pointer has been both thrilling for fans and transformative for teams' offensive strategies, as evidenced by this historic evening.
Contrasting Fortunes
Amidst the prolific scoring in San Francisco, the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets found themselves at the other end of the spectrum, combining to miss a record 75 three-pointers during their Friday matchup. This unfortunate milestone underscores the volatile nature of high-volume shooting and the gamble that comes with embracing the long ball.
As teams continue to adapt their playstyles to the evolving demands of the modern NBA, the events in San Francisco serve as both a testament to the exhilarating spectacle of three-point shooting and a reminder of the fine margins between triumph and disappointment. The Mavericks, fueled by Doncic's brilliance, emerge not just as winners of this encounter, but as a compelling force to watch in the ever-competitive Western Conference.