Record-Breaking Night in San Francisco: Mavericks and Warriors Light Up the Scoreboard
In an electrifying showcase of modern basketball, the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors scripted a new chapter in NBA history by combining for a record-breaking 48 three-pointers in a single game. The explosive display of long-range shooting shattered the previous record of 44, set merely two nights earlier by the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns, a milestone initially reached in February 2023 by the Sacramento Kings and LA Clippers.
The Mavericks emerged victorious with a 143-133 win at the Warriors' home turf in San Francisco, guided by a sensational performance from Luka Doncic. The Slovenian superstar recorded a triple-double, amassing an impressive 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds. Doncic's lethal shooting from beyond the arc, contributing six out of eleven attempts, set the tone for a game that will be remembered for its offensive fireworks.
Warriors' Shooting Showcase
The Warriors, despite the defeat, had plenty to celebrate in terms of setting personal milestones. They set a new franchise record by making 18 three-pointers in the first half alone and tied their franchise record with 27 total three-pointers in the game. Notably, prior to this performance, no team had ever lost a match after making 27 or more three-pointers, highlighting the exceptional nature of the contest.
Klay Thompson delivered a vintage performance, scoring a season-high 29 points and converting 7 of his 11 three-point attempts. Thompson's splash sibling, Stephen Curry, also added seven three-pointers to the balanced attack. Reflecting on the rich history of his tenure with the Warriors, Thompson stated, "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." He added optimistically about his future endeavors, "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."
Andrew Wiggins was another key contributor for the Warriors, tallying 29 points and making 5 of his 9 attempts from downtown, while Draymond Green chipped in with five three-pointers, marking a career-high for the versatile forward.
Shift in the NBA's Offensive Paradigm
The current NBA landscape marks a significant rise in long-range shooting, with teams averaging 37.5 three-point attempts per game as they entered Sunday. This statistic underscores a notable increase of 2.4 attempts compared to the previous season, reflecting a shift in the league's offensive philosophy towards more perimeter-oriented play.
Interestingly, the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets added a contrasting note to the narrative with their own record-setting feat — combining to miss a whopping 75 three-point attempts in a Friday matchup, the highest number ever recorded in a regulation game. This juxtaposition illustrates the high-risk, high-reward nature of the league's modern offensive strategies.
As the season progresses, this explosion of three-point attempts continues to redefine the paradigms of NBA basketball, inviting fans and analysts alike to contemplate the evolution of the game. For the Mavericks and Warriors, their record-breaking encounter stands as a testament to the thrilling unpredictability and entertainment that this era of basketball promises.