In a dazzling display of basketball prowess, the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors shattered the NBA record for combined three-pointers in a single game, with an awe-inspiring total of 48. This thrilling matchup on the Warriors' home court in San Francisco saw the Mavericks emerge victorious, defeating the Warriors 143-133 in a game that was anything but ordinary.
An Offensive Showcase
The Mavericks' star, Luka Doncic, delivered a spectacular performance, recording a triple-double with 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds. Doncic's contribution included six successful shots from beyond the arc, further cementing his reputation as a triple-threat player. The game was a significant milestone for the Mavericks, poising them as serious contenders this season.
However, it wasn't just the Mavericks making waves. The Warriors displayed an electric first half, setting a new franchise record with 18 three-pointers. This early performance laid the groundwork for what would be a nail-biting clash between two basketball powerhouses. Despite ultimately falling short, the Warriors matched their previous franchise record, concluding the game with 27 successful three-point shots—a statistic that usually guarantees victory. Before this game, teams had remained undefeated after making 27 or more three-pointers in a game, highlighting the exceptional nature of this contest.
Warriors' Star-Studded Effort
Klay Thompson, who tallied a season-high 29 points, was pivotal for the Warriors. Thompson's sharpshooting was on full display as he sank seven of his 11 three-point attempts. "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," Thompson remarked, reflecting on his enduring legacy with the franchise.
Alongside Thompson, Stephen Curry showcased his signature long-range efficiency, contributing seven three-pointers as well. Andrew Wiggins matched Thompson's scoring with 29 points and exhibited tremendous accuracy by nailing five of his nine three-point attempts. Draymond Green also joined the three-point parade with five successful shots from downtown.
Historic Stakes
Before the game, the average team took 37.5 three-point attempts per game, an increase of 2.4 from the previous season. Such statistics underline the NBA's evolving style, increasingly dominated by beyond-the-arc shooting. The Mavericks and Warriors' ability to push this boundary led to an exhilarating game that fans and analysts alike won't soon forget.
This game followed a matchup where the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets combined to miss a staggering 75 three-point attempts, setting a record for the most missed threes in a regulation game. While both teams sought redemption, it seems it was the Mavericks and Warriors who truly stole the show.
Onward to Dallas
For Klay Thompson, the transition to performing "legendary stuff" in Dallas is on the horizon. "Now it's time to do some legendary stuff in Dallas," said Thompson. "I truly believe in this team. We have all the ingredients to be really special." His confidence reflects a shared sentiment within the Mavericks' camp: that they possess the potential and talent to navigate deep into the postseason.
Ultimately, the Mavericks and Warriors' latest encounter will be remembered not just for the sheer volume of three-pointers but for the electric atmosphere and the statement it made about the modern game's direction. As both teams look ahead, the lessons from this prolific clash could define their trajectory in a season already filled with intrigue and surprises.