A Record-Breaking Night in San Francisco: Mavericks Outgun Warriors
The Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors delivered a spectacle that will be remembered for its historic shooting. With both teams combining for an unprecedented 48 three-pointers, the Mavericks triumphed over the Warriors with a 143-133 victory at the Chase Center in San Francisco. This jaw-dropping display set a new record, surpassing the previous mark of 44 three-pointers that was only just set two nights earlier by the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns.
The Mavericks were led by Luka Doncic, who showcased his all-around brilliance, scoring a triple-double with 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds. Doncic was instrumental beyond the arc, sinking 6 of his 11 three-point attempts. His performance was central to Dallas's success, as they handed the Warriors a rare defeat despite their own record-setting shooting efforts.
Warriors Light up the Chase Center
Golden State's play was nothing short of explosive, particularly in the first half. Stephen Curry and his teammates set a new franchise record with 18 three-pointers before halftime. The Warriors tied their own franchise record by completing 27 three-pointers in total—an achievement that, until now, had guaranteed the few teams to reach it an unbeaten record.
Klay Thompson emerged as a standout, contributing a season-high 29 points and making 7 of his 11 attempts from three-point range. Speaking after the game, Thompson expressed his affection for the Golden State fans, 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."
Naturally, Thompson's aspirations remain focused on the future. "Now it's time to do some legendary stuff in Dallas," he asserted. "I truly believe in this team. We have all the ingredients to be really special."
Contributions from Key Players
Stephen Curry also delivered a prolific shooting performance. Matching Thompson's output, Curry made seven three-point shots, keeping the Warriors competitive throughout the thrilling contest. Andrew Wiggins, a formidable force on the court, added 29 points, converting 5 of his 9 three-point efforts.
Veteran forward Draymond Green had an unexpected offensive boost, making five three-pointers—a significant contribution to the Warriors' overall tally.
A Trend of Increased Three-Point Attempts
The contest is emblematic of a broader trend in the NBA: the increasing importance and volume of three-point shooting. Prior to Sunday's matchup, teams averaged 37.5 three-point attempts per game—an increase of 2.4 attempts per game from the previous season. This shift illustrates a game that is increasingly defined by perimeter prowess.
Yet for all the precision displayed in San Francisco, not every matchup shares such success. The Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets recently combined to miss a staggering 75 three-point attempts in their Friday night game, marking the most missed threes in a regulation game.
For now, the Mavericks' and Warriors' combined effort stands as a testament to the evolving strategic landscape of basketball. The game was more than a scoring fest; it was an embodiment of the sport's continual transformation and a reminder of its capacity for the extraordinary.