The NBA is no stranger to surprises, but Sunday brought something truly historic. The Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors combined for a staggering 48 three-pointers. This sets a new league record. The previous record, held by the Sacramento Kings and LA Clippers, stood at 44. Just like that, the Mavericks captured a thrilling 143-133 win in San Francisco.
What’s impressive is the narrative here. Golden State made an NBA-first 27 three-pointers—and still lost. In all of NBA history, teams had never lost after hitting that many. It pushes the boundaries of offense to an extreme. The game was invigorating and wild. Scoring began rapidly. The Mavericks lit up the scoreboard with an explosive first quarter, tallying 46 points.
Luka Doncic led the charge for Dallas. He wasn’t just shooting; he was scoring, assisting, and rebounding. Doncic finished with 45 points, a triple-double that any player would envy. Then there’s Klay Thompson, who felt the nostalgia at Chase Center. He stepped up against his former team, pouring in 29 points. It was almost poetic the way he connected with the crowd, remembering past glories.
Thompson reflected on his time in Golden State. “It still warms my heart,” he said. “I am grateful for the time I had here.” It’s a testament to the emotional power sports can hold.
Then there’s Stephen Curry. He wasn’t left out either. With seven three-pointers, Curry continued his reputation. His ability to shoot from deep is nothing short of magical. Both teams created an electric atmosphere that kept fans buzzing.
Looking deeper, this record falls within a broader trend in the league. NBA teams now average 37.5 three-point attempts per game. This is the highest it’s ever been. Just two years ago, the number was lower, reflecting a significant shift in how the game is played. Will this continue to rise?
Contrastingly, not every game showcases the beauty of shooting. Just days earlier, the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets struggled, combining to miss 75 long-range attempts. Such inconsistencies illustrate the risk inherent in this style of play.
Critics might wonder about the long-term implications. Will the reliance on three-point shooting lead to a decline in traditional gameplay techniques? There’s a balance needed in competitive play. Yet, fans are drawn to excitement. Record-breaking performances create excitement. It draws fans into the arena and brings those at home to the edge of their seats.
In retrospect, what does this record mean for the Mavericks and Warriors? It showcases talent, nuance, and the evolution of the game. Teams are fully entrenched in this new chapter of basketball. Will this push them both toward the playoffs? Each game feels like a watershed moment. Players are creating a future where outside shooting reigns supreme.
