Record-Setting Night in San Francisco: Mavericks Outshoot Warriors
In what turned out to be a night for the history books, the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors set a new NBA record by collectively nailing 48 three-pointers. The arena in San Francisco buzzed with excitement on Sunday evening, as fans witnessed an electrifying display of scoring prowess, culminating in a 143-133 victory for the Mavericks.
A New Benchmark
This record-breaking achievement eclipses the short-lived previous record of 44 combined three-pointers, set just two days earlier by the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns. The prior mark had stood since February 2023, established during a matchup between the Sacramento Kings and the LA Clippers. Sunday night’s game was a testament to the NBA's evolving landscape, where the three-point shot has become a dominant force.
Luka's Triple-Double Masterclass
The Mavericks’ victory shone a spotlight on Luka Doncic, who added yet another impressive performance to his burgeoning career. Doncic recorded a triple-double with 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds, showcasing his all-around brilliance. Not one to shy away from the arc, Doncic successfully landed 6 of his 11 three-point attempts, underscoring his impactful presence on the court.
Warriors Fire Back Despite the Loss
Despite the loss, the Warriors had plenty to cheer about, setting a new franchise record with 18 three-pointers in the first half alone. Led by Klay Thompson's season-high 29 points, Golden State matched its franchise record with 27 three-pointers by the end of the game. Thompson was on fire, hitting 7 of 11 shots from beyond the arc, making it clear that the legendary sharpshooter was back in full form. “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,” Thompson said, reflecting on his pivotal role with the Warriors.
Alongside Thompson, Stephen Curry also made his mark, contributing seven successful three-point shots. Andrew Wiggins put in a stellar performance with 29 points and 5 of 9 shots from three-point range, while Draymond Green added a surprising five three-pointers to his stat line.
A Rare Defeat Under Unusual Circumstances
Intriguingly, prior to this encounter, teams were unbeaten when making 27 or more three-pointers in a game, underscoring the unique nature of this contest. The Warriors’ prolific three-point performance could not offset the Mavericks' offensive juggernaut, which proved too formidable on the night.
Three-Point Fever Sweeps the League
The NBA has seen the three-point shot become an increasingly vital component of its offensive strategies. Teams averaged 37.5 three-point attempts per game heading into the weekend, a notable increase from the previous season’s average. This increase underscores the league-wide trend towards prioritizing long-range shooting as a cornerstone of modern basketball.
Interesting disparities emerged when comparing Sunday's record-setting game to others in recent memory. The Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets, for instance, combined to miss 75 three-pointers in a single game, setting a dubious record for missed attempts. Contrasted with the accuracy showcased by the Mavericks and Warriors, it's a vivid illustration of the unpredictable nature of shooting performances.
Looking Ahead
As fans and analysts digest the spectacle, Klay Thompson's words bear a certain prophetic quality: “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.” With confidence running high among both camps, and a new standard set for offensive fireworks, the stage is set for what promises to be an exhilarating season.