Record-setting Night for Mavericks and Warriors
In a spectacular showcase of modern-day basketball, the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors combined for a jaw-dropping 48 three-pointers, shattering the previous NBA record of 44 set only two nights earlier by the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns. The game, held in San Francisco, ended with the Mavericks claiming a high-scoring victory over the Warriors, 143-133. This encounter not only demonstrated the offensive prowess of both squads but also redefined the boundaries of long-range shooting in the league.
Leading the charge for the Mavericks was Luka Dončić, who delivered an awe-inspiring performance. Dončić notched a triple-double, scoring 45 points, dishing out 13 assists, and grabbing 11 rebounds. His efficiency from beyond the arc was notable, as he converted six out of his eleven three-point attempts. “Luka was sensational tonight,” said Mavericks coach Jason Kidd post-game. “He’s the heart of this team, and nights like this show why he’s one of the best in the world.”
Warriors’ Shooting Spree
The Warriors, despite the defeat, celebrated several milestones of their own. In an incredible first half, they set a new franchise record with 18 three-pointers. As the final buzzer echoed, they had equaled their franchise record with 27 successful three-pointers. Remarkably, teams had previously won all games when making 27 or more three-point shots, a testament to the Mavericks' resilience and counterplay.
Klay Thompson, emerging as a key performer, recorded a season-high 29 points, making 7 of his 11 three-point attempts. “It still warms my heart to see all the No. 11 jerseys,” Thompson reflected, hinting at his emotional connection with Warriors fans. “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.” Such dedication underlines Thompson’s commitment to writing new chapters, both individually and for his team.
Stephen Curry, the long-time catalyst of the Warriors' offensive exploits, also showcased his shooting prowess with seven three-pointers, while Andrew Wiggins contributed a robust 29 points and five three-pointers of his own. Not to be overlooked, Draymond Green added five from beyond the arc, displaying depth in Warriors’ shooting capabilities.
The Changing Landscape of Three-Point Shooting
As teams embrace the three-point revolution, the league continues to witness an uptick in three-point attempts. Entering this matchup, teams were averaging 37.5 attempts per game, an increase of 2.4 from the previous season. This trend towards higher reliance on perimeter shooting is shaping the modern NBA, pushing teams to adapt or be left behind.
In contrast, not all games see success from beyond the arc. Earlier in the week, the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets set a record of a different nature, combining to miss 75 three-pointers, marking the most missed in a regulation game. This extreme variability underscores the streaky nature of the three-point shot, which can either buoy or sink a team's efforts depending on the night.
The Mavericks and Warriors, however, delivered a thrilling exhibition of offensive firepower, providing fans with a glimpse into the future of basketball. Their contributions to setting this new combined three-point record highlight not only the present talents of players like Dončić and Thompson but also the evolving strategies and skills teams are harnessing in today’s game.
As these teams move forward in the season, the challenge will be maintaining this high level of shooting while balancing it with other facets of the game. For now, both teams, and indeed the NBA, can savor this collective achievement—a high-water mark in what promises to be a long-lasting era of splash-filled showdowns.