In a game for the record books, the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors rewrote NBA history with a staggering 48 three-pointers combined, shattering the previous record of 44 that was set just two nights earlier by the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns. This remarkable feat unfolded in San Francisco, where the Mavericks edged past the Warriors in a high-scoring affair, 143-133.
Luka's Triple-Double Mastery
Amidst the shooting spectacle, Luka Doncic delivered a mesmerizing performance, notching a triple-double with 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds, showcasing his all-around brilliance. Doncic was particularly effective from beyond the arc, hitting 6 of his 11 three-point attempts, further solidifying his status as one of the league's premier playmakers.
Warriors' Franchise Records
The Warriors, known for their deep bench of sharpshooters, set a franchise record by draining 18 three-pointers in the first half alone. They matched their overall franchise record by the end of the game with 27 three-pointers. However, this mark was overshadowed by their loss, leaving them as the first team in NBA history to fall despite making 27 or more three-pointers in a game.
Contributions from Curry and Company
Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, the famed "Splash Brothers," led the Warriors' charge from downtown. Curry contributed seven three-pointers, while Thompson matched his season-high with 29 points and an impressive 7 out of 11 from deep. "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," Thompson said, reflecting on his journey with the team.
Andrew Wiggins was another key contributor for the Warriors, nearly replicating Thompson's output with 29 points and making 5 of his 9 three-point attempts. Meanwhile, Draymond Green showed an unusual penchant for the long ball, adding five three-pointers to the Warriors' tally.
League-Wide Three-Point Surge
This game was indicative of a broader trend across the NBA: teams are increasingly relying on the three-pointer. Coming into the game, teams had averaged 37.5 attempts from beyond the arc per game, marking a 2.4 increase from the previous season. It's clear that the three-point revolution, spearheaded by the Warriors over the last decade, continues to gain momentum and redefine the modern era of basketball.
Failures and Records in Three-Point Shooting
Not all recent three-point endeavors have been successful, however. The Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets combined to miss a staggering 75 three-pointers in a game, setting another kind of record — albeit less celebrated — for the most missed three-point attempts in a regulation game.
For Thompson, the focus now shifts to what lies ahead. "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," he shared with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism.
The Mavericks, buoyed by their significant win, will be keen to consolidate this victory as a stepping stone for further success. Meanwhile, the Warriors will certainly aim to convert their prolific shooting into more victories, keeping their eyes on the ever-evolving landscape of NBA strategy where the three-point shot reigns supreme.