The NBA witnessed a historic long-range shootout on Sunday as the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors combined for a record-breaking 48 three-pointers. This dazzling display of perimeter shooting eclipsed the previous high of 44, achieved by the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns merely two nights prior, and first set by the Sacramento Kings and LA Clippers in an unforgettable triple-overtime showdown back in February 2023.
A riveting clash
The Mavericks emerged victorious in this three-point barrage, defeating the Warriors 143-133 in San Francisco. Dallas’s performance was buoyed by stellar contributions from Luka Doncic, who racked up a formidable triple-double. Doncic tallied 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds while hitting 6 out of his 11 attempts from beyond the arc. His leadership and scoring prowess were instrumental in propelling the Mavericks to their high-scoring triumph.
Not far behind in the scoring frenzy, the Warriors set a new franchise record with 18 three-pointers in the first half, eventually matching their own record with 27 threes for the game. This remarkable feat, however, was insufficient to secure a win. Before this contest, teams were undefeated when making 27 or more three-pointers in a game, a testament to the exceptional shooting both teams exhibited on this historic night.
Individual brilliance amid a collective effort
Klay Thompson delivered a standout performance for the Warriors, netting a season-high 29 points and converting 7 of his 11 attempts from long range. It was Thompson who etched his name in the history books, sinking the pivotal shot that shattered the collective three-pointer record. Reflecting on the magical night, Thompson shared, "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 impactful night was complemented by the ever-reliable Stephen Curry, who also made seven shots from downtown.
Another key contributor for Golden State was Andrew Wiggins, who mirrored Thompson's point total with 29, connecting on 5 of his 9 three-point attempts. Meanwhile, Draymond Green surprised many with his perimeter proficiency, adding five threes to his scoring line.
Shifting trends in the NBA
This game stands out not only for its spectacle of shooting but also as a reflection of wider trends in the NBA. Entering Sunday, teams had averaged 37.5 three-point attempts per game, an increase of 2.4 from the previous season. This uptick followed a slight decrease in three-point attempts from the 2021-2022 season to 2022-2023, further emphasizing how the league's playstyle is in constant evolution.
In stark contrast to the sharpshooting display of the Mavericks and Warriors, the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets underlined the volatility of the three-point shot. These teams combined to miss an astonishing 75 three-pointers in their Friday matchup, setting an unwanted record for the most misses in a regulation game. Such disparity serves as a reminder of the feast-or-famine nature often associated with the modern NBA's embrace of long-range shooting.
Looking ahead
Klay Thompson, reflecting on his journey and future prospects, declared, "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." His sentiment encapsulates the competitive spirit and relentless pursuit of greatness that defines the athletes and teams of this era.
As the season progresses, fans can expect the three-point line to continue being at the forefront of the NBA's evolving offensive strategies. With the league's ongoing emphasis on perimeter scoring and the dramatic increase in long-distance shooting, games like this between the Mavericks and Warriors provide exhilarating spectacles that captivate audiences and keep them on the edge of their seats.