Historical Night in San Francisco
The evening sky over San Francisco bore witness to a shooting spectacle as the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors combined for a historic 48 three-pointers, setting a new NBA benchmark for a single game. This remarkable feat eclipsed the previous record of 44, set just two nights earlier by the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns, a record that was initially established by the Sacramento Kings and LA Clippers in February 2023.
In a game that seemed destined to etch itself into the annals of NBA history, the Mavericks emerged victorious with a 143-133 win over the Warriors. Luka Doncic orchestrated a breathtaking performance, registering a triple-double with 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds. His contribution from beyond the arc was substantial, as he nailed 6 of his 11 three-point attempts, underscoring his pivotal role in this record-breaking evening.
Warriors Shatter First-Half Records
Despite the loss, the Warriors had their share of record-breaking moments. By drilling 18 three-pointers in the first half alone, they set a new franchise record. This prowess from long distance didn't wane as they continued to match their franchise record of 27 three-pointers in a single game. Historically, teams making 27 or more three-pointers in a game have been undefeated, making this outcome all the more surprising.
Leading the charge for Golden State was Klay Thompson, who found his rhythm to post a season-high 29 points. His sharp shooting was on full display, converting 7 of his 11 three-point attempts. Reflecting on his time with the Warriors and looking ahead, Thompson stated, "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."
Stephen Curry, known for his three-point marksmanship, contributed seven successful attempts from downtown. Andrew Wiggins added 29 points, with 5 of his 9 three-point shots finding the mark. Even Draymond Green got in on the long-range act, hitting five three-pointers. Despite their collective efforts, the Mavericks' relentless offense proved too much to handle.
Trend of Increasing Three-Point Attempts
The growing trend of increased reliance on three-point shooting was once again highlighted. Entering Sunday, teams averaged 37.5 three-point attempts per game, a noticeable increase of 2.4 from the previous season. This evolution has introduced a new wave of strategies and results, as seen in this record-setting encounter.
While the Mavericks and Warriors were lighting up the scoreboard, the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets experienced the cold, combining to miss 75 three-point attempts in their previous matchup. This total set the record for the most missed three-pointers in a regulation game, contrasting sharply with the sharpshooting display in San Francisco.
In Gratitude and Anticipation
Amidst this merging of historical achievement and individual accolades, Thompson expressed heartfelt sentiments, remarking, "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."
As the dust settles on this extraordinary game, its implications will surely reverberate through the season. The Mavericks demonstrated their potential to contend at the highest level, while the Warriors showcased their formidable firepower despite the setback. NBA fans can only wonder what records might next be shattered as the pace of play and long-distance dedication continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the hardwood.