Record-Breaking Showdown in San Francisco
In a dazzling display of offensive prowess, the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors shattered records with an unprecedented 48 combined three-pointers during their matchup in San Francisco. This historic feat eclipsed the previous record of 44, which had been set a mere two nights earlier by the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns, and originally established in February 2023 by the Sacramento Kings and LA Clippers.
The Mavericks marched to a 143-133 victory, bolstered by a stellar performance from Luka Doncic, who not only led his team to victory but also personally orchestrated a basketball symphony. Doncic recorded a staggering triple-double, contributing 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds, and demonstrated his sharpshooting skills by sinking 6 of his 11 three-point attempts.
Warriors' Historic Effort Falls Short
Despite the loss, the Warriors provided a formidable challenge and etched their own mark in history. They set a franchise record with 18 three-pointers in the first half alone. By the end of the game, the Warriors matched their franchise record with a total of 27 three-pointers, an achievement that typically guarantees victory. Until this showdown, teams had never lost a game after making 27 or more three-point shots.
Key figures in the Warriors' offensive onslaught included Klay Thompson, who registered a season-high 29 points, converting 7 of his 11 three-point attempts. Reflecting on his performance and the atmosphere, Thompson noted, "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." Meanwhile, Stephen Curry matched Thompson's three-point tally by making seven shots from beyond the arc, underscoring his consistent offensive threat.
Andrew Wiggins contributed significantly with 29 points, hitting 5 out of his 9 attempts from long range, while Draymond Green, typically known for his defensive capabilities, showcased his shooting prowess by adding five three-pointers to the Warriors' monumental total.
Evolving Three-Point Landscape
This game further highlighted the league's ever-evolving relationship with the three-point shot. Prior to Sunday, teams were averaging 37.5 three-point attempts per game, reflecting an uptick of 2.4 attempts from the previous season. This shift underscores the increasing emphasis on perimeter shooting as a critical component of modern basketball strategy.
Yet, while the Mavericks and Warriors demonstrated precision from deep, not all teams found similar success. On the same weekend, the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets endured a forgettable shooting night, combining to miss 75 three-pointers, a new record for the most missed three-point attempts in a regulation game. This stark contrast serves as a reminder of the high-risk, high-reward nature of the game from beyond the arc.
Looking Ahead
For Klay Thompson, the evening rekindled cherished memories but also fueled aspirations for future success with the Warriors. He expressed a vision for new milestones, 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."
As teams continue to push the boundaries of what's possible from three-point range, thrilling spectacles like the Mavericks-Warriors clash become more frequent and more celebrated. Fans can eagerly anticipate more record-breaking performances as the season progresses and new stars emerge.