The Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors etched their names into the NBA history books, combining for an unprecedented 48 three-pointers in a single game. This remarkable feat shattered the previous record of 44, a benchmark that had been set merely two nights prior by the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns. The record-breaking three-point display was initially established earlier in February 2023 by the Sacramento Kings and LA Clippers, making this new achievement all the more monumental.
The Mavericks secured a high-scoring victory over the Warriors, winning 143-133 in a thrilling contest in San Francisco. Luka Doncic, the Mavericks’ talisman, was instrumental in this victory. Doncic dazzled with a triple-double performance, registering 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds while sinking six of his 11 attempts from beyond the arc. “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,” Klay Thompson, expressing his competitive spirit and optimism for what lies ahead for his team, remarked after the game.
The Warriors, known for their shooting prowess, were also in no short supply of heroics. In a display of remarkable precision, the Warriors set a new franchise record with 18 three-pointers in the first half of the game. By the end of the night, they had matched their all-time high with 27 three-pointers. Prior to this game, no team had ever lost when making 27 or more three-pointers, underscoring the stunning nature of this encounter.
Among the standout performers for the Warriors was Klay Thompson, who registered a season-high 29 points, nailing 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 reflected, acknowledging his impact and connection with Warriors fans.
Stephen Curry, renowned for his long-range shooting, added seven three-pointers of his own, further solidifying the Warriors’ offensive onslaught. Complementing this was Andrew Wiggins, who contributed 29 points, making five out of his nine attempts from downtown. Draymond Green also made a substantial impact with five three-pointers, illustrating the depth of the Warriors’ shooting talent.
Given the game’s record-setting nature, it's essential to contextualize this performance within the broader trends of the league. Teams have averaged 37.5 three-point attempts per game leading up to this encounter, marking an increase of 2.4 attempts from the previous season. This rise underscores the evolving strategies and emphasis on perimeter shooting in modern basketball.
On the flip side of the league’s shooting narrative, the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets experienced struggles of their own, combining to miss 75 three-pointers in a separate matchup. This set another distinct record, albeit for the most missed three-pointers in a regulation game, highlighting the unpredictable nature of shooting in the NBA.
As the dust settles on this historic game between the Mavericks and the Warriors, basketball fans worldwide are left marveling at the new standards being set in the sport, both in triumphs and trials. The game, rich with electrifying performances, reaffirmed the evolving dynamics of basketball, where three-point shooting continues to redefine what is possible on the court.