In an electrifying display of offensive prowess, the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors shattered the NBA record for combined three-pointers in a game, tallying an astonishing 48 triples. The Mavericks emerged victorious over the Warriors with a 143-133 win in San Francisco, but the numbers told a larger story about the evolution of the game.
The fireworks started early and came in gusts, particularly from the Warriors, who established a new franchise benchmark by sinking 18 three-pointers in the first half alone. By the end of the night, they matched another franchise record with 27 made triples. Such a substantial total usually guarantees success; prior to this game, teams were undefeated when reaching 27 three-pointers.
Mavericks' Triumph and Doncic’s Dominance
Central to the Mavericks' win was Luka Doncic, whose sublime performance included a triple-double—a compelling display of versatility with 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds. Doncic's shooting was particularly lethal, as he connected on 6 of his 11 shots from beyond the arc, orchestrating a multifaceted offense that proved too dynamic for the Warriors.
For the Mavericks, this game was a statement, echoing the sentiments expressed by Klay Thompson, "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." Indeed, the Mavericks' performance showcased a potential glimpse into their future, acting as both vindication and motivation.
Warriors' Firepower and Thompson’s Reflection
Klay Thompson, reflecting on the familiarity and fervor of the fans, 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." Thompson was in fine form himself, posting a season-high 29 points complemented by 7 successful three-point attempts out of 11. Alongside him, Stephen Curry mirrored the intensity with seven triples, while Andrew Wiggins added another dimension to the offensive depth with 29 points and 5 three-pointers.
Even Draymond Green, typically known for his defensive acumen and playmaking, got in on the act, sinking five three-pointers. Yet, despite their remarkable shooting night, the Warriors were unable to contain Doncic’s Mavericks.
The Big Picture: A League Transformed
This historic evening underscores a broader trend impacting the NBA—an increasingly three-pointer-dominated landscape. Entering the weekend, teams averaged 37.5 three-point attempts per game, a notable increase of 2.4 attempts from the last season, illustrating how teams continue to lean heavily on long-range shooting as a critical strategic asset.
The game in San Francisco was not an outlier in this regard. Just nights prior, the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns combined for 44 three-pointers, briefly holding the record before it was obliterated by the Mavericks and Warriors. Before that, the Sacramento Kings and LA Clippers had initially set the previous record in February 2023.
Yet, it isn’t always a tale of success from the perimeter, as evidenced by a game between the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets, where together they recorded an ignominious 75 missed three-pointers, marking an NBA record for the most three-point misses in a regulation game.
Reflecting on the Mavericks' triumph and the broader context of three-point shooting strategies employed league-wide, one can't help but ponder the future. As coaches and teams continue to adapt to these trends, it remains to be seen whether these shooting spectacles will eventually become the norm or inspire new strategic evolutions within the game.
As the dust settles, the game between the Mavericks and Warriors will be remembered not just for its record-breaking numbers but for showcasing the exhilarating possibilities when talented shooters and high-octane offenses collide. The confluence of history, personal milestones, and evolving tactics made for a night that thrilled fans and pundits alike, one that will be etched into the annals of basketball history.