The NBA witnessed a dazzling display of three-point shooting prowess as the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors shattered the league’s record for combined three-pointers in a single game. The two teams collectively sank 48 shots from beyond the arc, outdoing the previous record of 44, which had been impressively set just two nights prior by the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns. The original record of 44 had been established in February 2023 by the Sacramento Kings and LA Clippers.
Played in San Francisco, the game concluded with the Mavericks triumphing over the Warriors 143-133. Dallas’ victory was bolstered by Luka Doncic's magnificent performance. Doncic delivered a triple-double, amassing 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds, while successfully converting six of his 11 three-point attempts. His command on the court was instrumental in tipping the scale in favor of the Mavericks.
A New Benchmark for the Warriors
The Warriors, despite falling short of the win, achieved notable milestones during the night. They set a new franchise record with 18 three-pointers just in the first half of the game. The team went on to tie their franchise best with a total of 27 three-pointers by the final buzzer. Before this matchup, achieving 27 or more three-pointers in a game had guaranteed victory for teams, but the Warriors faced a different fate this time.
Klay Thompson emerged with a season-high score, registering 29 points and making seven out of his 11 three-point shots. Showing appreciation for the enduring support from the Warriors' fanbase, Thompson remarked, "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." Demonstrating his commitment to future achievements, he added, "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."
Star Performances Amidst Record-Setting Night
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry's contribution was significant, as he mirrored Thompson by also making seven three-point shots. Andrew Wiggins contributed strongly to the Warriors’ scoreline with 29 points, successfully converting five out of nine three-point attempts. Draymond Green, occasionally underscored for his shooting ability, surprised with five three-pointers of his own, underscoring the Warriors’ collective effort from long range.
The surge in three-point shots is reflective of the shifting dynamics within the NBA, where the perimeter game has gained increasing significance. Heading into Sunday’s games, teams had averaged 37.5 three-point attempts per game—an increase of 2.4 attempts compared to the previous season. This surge underscores a league-wide shift towards embracing the long-range shot as a tactical cornerstone.
Contrasting Fortunes in Shooting
While the Mavericks and Warriors provided a masterclass in precision shooting, the same could not be said for the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets, who, in sharp contrast, set a less enviable record. In their Friday matchup, the two teams combined to miss an unprecedented 75 three-point shots, the most in any regulation game. This stark contrast highlights the variance in three-point execution across the league.
Ultimately, the Mavericks and Warriors managed to combine for a game that will be remembered not only for its lively pace and top-tier talent but also for the sheer volume of three-point shots attempted and made. The encounter served as a microcosm of the modern NBA landscape—a testament to both the high-stakes strategies and the electrifying style that continue to captivate fans worldwide.