Mavericks and Warriors Engage in Historic Three-Point Shootout
Mavericks and Warriors Engage in Historic Three-Point Shootout
In a dazzling display of long-range shooting prowess, the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors combined to set a new NBA record for three-pointers in a game with 48. The previous benchmark, a mere 44, was set only two nights earlier by the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns, who had first eclipsed it back in February 2023 when the Sacramento Kings and LA Clippers set it.
This barnburner game, held in San Francisco, ended with the Mavericks claiming victory over the Warriors, 143-133. At the heart of Dallas's triumph was a scintillating performance from Luka Doncic, who delivered a triple-double with 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds, sinking six out of his 11 three-point attempts.
Golden State's high-octane start saw them establish a new franchise record by making 18 three-pointers in just the first half. They continued to bombard the basket from downtown throughout the game, ultimately matching their franchise best with 27 three-pointers. Despite this offensive eruption, the Warriors fell short, marking the first instance where a team lost a game after making 27 or more three-pointers.
Klay Thompson, who contributed significantly to the Warriors' three-point tally with seven out of 11 successful attempts, reached a season-high with 29 points. Reflecting on the game and his time with the Warriors, Thompson shared a heartfelt sentiment, "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's performance was complemented by Stephen Curry, Golden State’s talisman, who matched his teammate by netting seven three-point shots. Meanwhile, Andrew Wiggins also shone brightly, scoring 29 points and shooting an impressive five of nine from beyond the arc. Draymond Green added to the Warriors' perimeter threats, hitting five three-pointers himself.
A Rising Trend in Three-Point Shooting
The game underscored an ongoing trend in the NBA: the increasing prevalence and importance of the three-point shot. Teams had been averaging 37.5 three-point attempts per game entering Sunday, which marked an increase of 2.4 attempts per contest compared to the previous season. This shift signifies a strategic evolution as teams continue to leverage the three-point shot as a critical component of their offensive arsenals.
It wasn't only successful three-point attempts that were making headlines this weekend. In stark contrast, the Friday matchup between the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets set a different kind of record. The two teams combined to miss 75 three-point attempts, setting a new mark for the most missed three-pointers in a regulation game.
Legacies and Looking Forward
Despite the loss, the Warriors' prolific three-point performance illustrates their enduring capacity to thrill fans with their shooting spectacle. Warriors’ sharpshooter Klay Thompson emphasized his aspirations beyond the Golden State with an eye toward 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."
As teams like the Mavericks and Warriors continue to push the boundaries of three-point shooting, the NBA landscape is poised for even more record-breaking feats. Fans can expect to witness increasingly strategic and dynamic approaches, reshaping the game in thrilling new ways. This game served as a showcase and reminder of the exciting and unpredictable nature of basketball in the modern era.
