A Record-Breaking Night in San Francisco
In what can only be described as a masterclass in three-point shooting, the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors etched their names into the annals of NBA history with a night of record-breaking performances. Amassing an astonishing 48 three-pointers combined, the two teams shattered the previous record of 44, set just two nights before by the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns.
Held at the Chase Center in San Francisco, the final score of 143-133 in favor of the Mavericks barely scratches the surface of a game that showcased extraordinary shooting prowess. Luka Doncic, often the Mavericks' talisman, delivered yet another stellar performance, recording a triple-double with 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds, while hitting 6 of 11 from beyond the arc. His efforts were instrumental in Dallas's commanding victory.
Warriors Set Franchise Records
Despite the loss, the Warriors had much to celebrate. They set a new franchise record with 18 three-pointers made in the first half alone, eventually matching their all-time best with 27 in the entire game. Historically, NBA teams had been undefeated when hitting 27 or more three-pointers, making the outcome all the more extraordinary.
Key to the Warriors' offensive onslaught was the sharpshooting of Klay Thompson, who enjoyed a season-high 29 points, making 7 of 11 three-point attempts. Thompson, whose contributions to the Warriors over the years have been immense, reflected on his time with the team and looked forward to future successes, saying, "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."
He added, "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."
Contributions Across the Board
Stephen Curry, ever the master of the long-range shot, also made his mark with seven three-pointers. Meanwhile, Andrew Wiggins contributed significantly with 29 points and five three-pointers from nine attempts. Even Draymond Green, known more for his defensive prowess and playmaking, found his shooting touch, sinking five from distance.
This game was emblematic of a broader trend in the NBA. Teams have increasingly relied on the three-point shot, evidenced by the average of 37.5 attempts per game—a notable increase from the previous season by 2.4 attempts.
The Art of Missed Three-Pointers
While the Mavericks and Warriors rewrote the record books for successful three-pointers, the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets established a different kind of record. Just days before, these two teams combined to miss an unprecedented 75 three-point shots in a single game, setting a record for the most missed three-pointers in regulation play. Such stats underline the ever-growing impact and volatility of three-point shooting in today's game.
As the season progresses, the spectacle of the three-point shot continues to captivate fans and redefine basketball's landscape. With players pushing the boundaries of what's possible from behind the arc, we can only wonder where the next record-breaking performance will unfold.