In an electrifying showdown at the Chase Center in San Francisco, the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors turned the court into a three-point shooting gallery, combining for an NBA record-breaking 48 three-pointers. This extraordinary tally surpassed the previous record of 44, set just two nights earlier by the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns, which had initially been established in February 2023 by the Sacramento Kings and LA Clippers.
The Mavericks emerged victorious in the thrilling contest, defeating the Warriors 143-133. Leading the charge for Dallas was Luka Doncic, whose dazzling performance saw him notch a triple-double. Doncic effortlessly poured in 45 points, dished out 13 assists, and snagged 11 rebounds, making an impactful 6 of 11 attempts from beyond the arc. His command on the court underscored the effectiveness of his all-around game, providing yet another reminder of his burgeoning status as one of the league's elite talents.
Warriors' Record-Setting Performance
Despite the loss, the Warriors had every reason to celebrate their offensive fireworks. The team set a new franchise best with 18 three-pointers in the first half alone, cruising on the hot hands of their sharpshooters. By the end of the game, Golden State had matched its franchise record with a total of 27 three-pointers. Historically, teams making 27 or more three-pointers in a game had maintained an unbeaten record—a streak brought to a halt by Dallas' tenacity.
On an individual level, Klay Thompson reached his season-high with a stellar 29-point performance, bolstered by accuracy from range as he nailed 7 out of 11 three-point attempts. Stephen Curry, a player synonymous with precision shooting, also connected on seven shots from downtown, adding to the overwhelming offensive display. Andrew Wiggins mirrored Thompson with 29 points, bolstered by five successful triples from nine attempts. Meanwhile, Draymond Green added a lesser-seen offense contribution with five three-pointers of his own.
A Changing Game
This high-octane duel underscored a broader trend across the NBA: the increasing prevalence and impact of the three-point shot. Coming into the weekend, teams were averaging 37.5 three-point attempts per game—an evident 2.4 attempt increase from the previous season. This surge highlights the evolving nature of the game, where spacing and perimeter shooting have become central strategies for teams vying for success.
Yet, for every breathtaking barrage of baskets, there’s another side to the coin. In a recent faceoff between the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets, the teams combined to set an unenviable record by missing 75 three-pointers in a single game. This mark for most missed three-pointers in regulation reflects the high-risk, high-reward element of the modern NBA shooting philosophy.
Klay Thompson's Takeaway
Reflecting on the connection between his history-making franchise and his new challenge in Dallas, Klay Thompson remarked, "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 sentiments echo his deep appreciation for his storied past with the Warriors, yet he remains forward-focused, eager for further success. "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 shared, underscoring the sense of optimism that fuels the current Mavericks squad.
This matchup between the Mavericks and Warriors was more than just a showcase of individual brilliance; it was a microcosm of basketball's ongoing evolution. The record-setting night not only added a new chapter to the league's storied history but also set a high bar for future contests. As teams and players continue to adapt, embrace, and innovate, the NBA's thrilling narrative is sure to deliver more unforgettable moments like this one.