In a game that will be remembered for its staggering statistical significance, the Dallas Mavericks triumphed over the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco with a 143-133 victory. The contest earned its place in the annals of NBA history as these two Western Conference powerhouses combined for an unprecedented 48 three-pointers, shattering the previous record of 44 set just days earlier by the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns.
The exhilarating display of perimeter shooting prowess was highlighted by individual feats worthy of the spotlight. Luka Doncic, the Mavericks’ prodigious talent, was at the forefront of this offensive onslaught, securing a triple-double that included 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds. Beyond his overall stellar contribution, Doncic was efficient from beyond the arc, sinking 6 of his 11 three-point attempts.
A Battle of Long-Range Marksmen
On the opposing side, the Warriors matched the game's heightened pace with their own exceptional shooting. Setting a new franchise record in the first half, the Warriors delivered 18 three-pointers, ultimately equaling their all-time best with 27 by the final buzzer. However, despite their achievements from the perimeter, the Warriors saw their perfect record slip away; prior to this matchup, teams posting 27 or more three-pointers in a game were undefeated.
Klay Thompson, demonstrating a return to form, delivered a season-high 29 points, connecting on 7 of his 11 attempts from the three-point line. His long-time partner in scoring glory, Stephen Curry, remained formidable as always, converting seven shots from beyond the arc. Andrew Wiggins contributed significantly with a 29-point performance, rounding out his night with 5 three-pointers made from 9 attempts. The versatile Draymond Green added to this narrative by hitting five threes.
Reflecting on the match and his enduring connection to the Bay Area, Klay Thompson shared, "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." Looking ahead, he expressed optimism about the Mavericks' potential, stating, "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."
League Trends and Missed Opportunities
This historic night comes amidst a broader trend of increasing three-point attempts across the league. Teams have been averaging 37.5 three-point attempts per game entering recent games, showing a marked rise of 2.4 attempts per game from the previous season. The embrace of the three-point shot continues to shape the modern landscape of the NBA, pushing traditional boundaries and redefining strategic approaches.
However, not every game shares the glamour of high percentage shooting. Just days before the Mavericks-Warriors matchup, the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets combined to set a less enviable record: a combined 75 missed three-point attempts in a single regulation game. This dubious milestone underscores the potential volatility inherent in the modern reliance on perimeter shooting, where the line between record-setting success and statistical falter can be extraordinarily thin.
As teams navigate this era of transformative play, the Mavericks and Warriors have, through their recent encounter, exemplified how thrilling and volatile this journey can be. The record-breaking showdown between Dallas and Golden State will surely be remembered as a testament to the growing importance of the three-point shot in the NBA’s evolving narrative.