Record-Breaking Night of Three-Pointers in San Francisco
In a dazzling display of marksmanship, the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors etched their names into the NBA history books by combining for a record-breaking 48 three-pointers in a single game. This thrilling shootout shattered the previous record of 44, set just two nights earlier by the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns.
The Mavericks emerged victorious in a high-scoring affair, defeating the Warriors 143-133 at the Chase Center in San Francisco. It was a night where the long-range shot reigned supreme, captivating fans with each successive swish of the net.
Luka Doncic Shines
Central to the Mavericks' triumph was the electric performance of Luka Doncic. The Slovenian star recorded a jaw-dropping triple-double, amassing 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds. Doncic's proficiency from beyond the arc was evident as he sank six of his 11 three-point attempts, further solidifying his reputation as one of the premier talents in the league.
Golden State's Historic First Half
The Warriors, despite falling short on the scoreboard, left an indelible mark on the game. They exploded for a franchise-record 18 three-pointers in the first half alone, showcasing their fearsome shooting capabilities. The team tied their franchise record by the end of the game with 27 three-pointers, a benchmark previously synonymous with guaranteed victory—until now. Before this encounter, teams achieving 27 or more three-pointers in a game were undefeated, highlighting the extraordinary nature of this match.
Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry: Backcourt Firepower
Klay Thompson delivered an inspiring performance, posting a season-high 29 points and nailing seven of 11 attempts from three-point range. Thompson, reflecting on the game, said, "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."
His backcourt partner, Stephen Curry, matched Thompson's output from deep, also connecting on seven shots from behind the arc. Their combined efforts served as a reminder of the lethal firepower the duo brings to the court.
Contributions from Wiggins and Green
Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green also played pivotal roles in Golden State's long-distance barrage. Wiggins tallied 29 points, making five of his nine three-point attempts, while Green added five threes of his own, enhancing the Warriors' offensive repertoire.
League-Wide Trends
This season, the NBA has seen an uptick in three-point shooting frequency, with teams averaging 37.5 three-point attempts per game—an increase of 2.4 attempts from the previous season. However, the risks of living by the three-point sword were also on display recently, as the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets combined for a record 75 missed three-pointers in a game, setting a mark for futility from long range.
Reflecting on his current team and future ambitions, Thompson expressed optimism about his prospects with the Mavericks, 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."
In conclusion, the Mavericks and Warriors delivered an unforgettable spectacle that redefined the possibilities of three-point shooting in the NBA. As teams continue to embrace the long ball, such record-breaking performances may become increasingly common, much to the delight of fans who appreciate the beauty and excitement of the modern game.