In a thrilling offensive showdown at the Chase Center in San Francisco, the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors combined for a staggering 48 three-pointers, shattering the previous record of 44 set just two nights earlier by the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns. The Mavericks emerged victorious with a 143-133 triumph, led by a stellar performance from Luka Doncic, who notched a triple-double with 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds, while connecting on 6 of his 11 three-point attempts.
Not to be outdone, the Warriors showcased their perimeter prowess, establishing a new franchise record with 18 three-pointers in the first half alone. The team finished the game with 27 three-pointers, matching their own franchise best. Stephen Curry added his familiar touch from beyond the arc with seven three-pointers, while Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins each contributed 29 points. Thompson found his form, making 7 of his 11 three-point attempts, and Wiggins was accurate from long range, hitting 5 of his 9 attempts. Draymond Green added to the shooting spectacle by sinking five three-pointers himself.
The significance of this record-breaking night wasn't lost on the shooters. Klay Thompson reflected on his time with the Warriors, expressing heartfelt sentiments: "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 comments evoke a nostalgia for his successful past with Golden State while also looking forward to potential successes with his current team, the Dallas Mavericks. "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," Thompson added.
The game was not only a celebration of shooting but also an indication of the changing dynamics in basketball strategy. Teams had been averaging 37.5 three-point attempts per game entering Sunday, an increase of 2.4 attempts from the previous season. The game has clearly evolved, evolving into a long-distance shootout arena, where the three-point shot is often a decisive factor.
However, it’s not all about makes; misses play a big part in the narrative too. Just a day before this momentous game in San Francisco, the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets found themselves in the record books for less favorable reasons. The two teams combined to miss 75 three-pointers, setting a record for the most missed three-point attempts in a regulation NBA game.
Despite the loss, the Warriors' performance continued to validate a long-standing truth in basketball—shooters win games. Yet the Mavericks, with Doncic leading the charge, demonstrated that strategic precision can dismantle even the most prolific shooting onslaughts. Previously unbeaten teams when making 27 or more three-pointers in a game, the Warriors tasted defeat against a resilient Mavericks squad that blended heroics from Doncic with a team effort in defense and execution.
As the NBA season progresses, this record-breaking game underscores the league's exciting trajectory and the evolution of offensive play, where teams like the Mavericks and Warriors redefine what's possible from beyond the arc. With players like Thompson, Curry, Doncic, and Wiggins leading the charge, fans can expect more fireworks as teams push the boundaries of shooting excellence and redefine the parameters of the modern game. The night in San Francisco was a testament to the depth of talent across the league and a thrilling chapter in the ongoing saga of NBA history.