Dubs lose an offensive shootout after the Warriors and Mavericks combine for an NBA record 48 3-pointers.

The Golden State Warriors and the Dallas Mavericks delivered a thrilling game at Chase Center on Sunday, setting a new NBA record for combined three-pointers made with 48. Despite a valiant effort, the Warriors were defeated 143-133 in a high-scoring affair. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson were both instrumental in their teams’ performances, with each player draining seven three-pointers. Thompson, who scored a season-high 29 points, had his two biggest scoring games of the year against his former team, the Mavericks. Curry added 26 points along with a team-high 10 assists, marking his third double-double of the season.

In addition to Curry and Thompson’s remarkable shooting, Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green set new season highs with five made three-pointers each. The Warriors’ 27 three-pointers in the game matched a franchise record, a mark they have now reached three times in their history. On the other side, Luka Dončić delivered an extraordinary performance for the Mavericks, finishing with 45 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists. His remarkable stat line accounted for 89 of Dallas’ 143 points, including his points and assists.

Warriors’ Record-Breaking First Half from Beyond the Arc

The Warriors were on fire from the three-point line in the first half, making 18 of their 32 attempts (56.3%), setting a franchise record and tying an NBA record for most three-pointers in a half. This achievement was a testament to the Warriors’ offensive efficiency and long-range shooting prowess. The 18 three-pointers in the first half marked a new franchise benchmark, surpassing the 17 they hit in a win over the Chicago Bulls on October 29, 2018. That memorable game saw Thompson set an NBA record for the most three-pointers made in a game with 14.

As of this game, the feat of making 18 three-pointers in a half has now been accomplished five times in NBA history, with the most recent instance occurring on March 29, 2024, when the Brooklyn Nets achieved the same feat against the Chicago Bulls. Warriors guard Dennis Schröder, who had joined the team in a recent trade, contributed a key performance, scoring 27 points and hitting seven three-pointers in that game.

High-Assist Night for Warriors

One of the highlights of the game for the Warriors was their incredible playmaking, dishing out a season-high 39 assists. The team assisted on 79.5% of their 49 made field goals, a clear indicator of their fast-paced, ball movement-heavy offense. The Dubs’ ability to share the ball led to multiple players finding scoring opportunities, with four of their starters finishing with 20 or more points. Wiggins finished with 29 points, Curry added 26, Green chipped in 21, and Jonathan Kuminga rounded out the quartet with 20 points.

Wiggins and Kuminga particularly benefited from the Warriors’ ball movement, with 10 of Wiggins’ 11 field goals and 8 of Kuminga’s 9 field goals coming off assists. This collective team effort on offense was key to their high-scoring output, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win against a Mavericks team led by Dončić’s all-around brilliance.

Mavericks’ Record-Setting Performance

While the Warriors’ shooting and passing were impressive, it was the Mavericks who ultimately came out on top, primarily thanks to Luka Dončić’s historic performance. His 45 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists not only led the Mavericks to victory but also made a significant mark on the game itself. Dončić played nearly every minute, showcasing his scoring, passing, and rebounding ability as he almost single-handedly propelled Dallas to their season-high 143 points.

With Dončić’s triple-double performance, the Mavericks were able to maintain a consistent offensive output and keep pace with the Warriors’ long-range shooting. His ability to orchestrate the offense and score at will kept the Mavericks ahead, and his 13 assists were crucial in helping other teammates like Kyrie Irving and Tim Hardaway Jr. contribute to the offensive explosion.

The Impact of Three-Point Shooting in the Modern NBA

The game between the Warriors and Mavericks is a prime example of how the three-point shot has become the defining feature of modern NBA offenses. The Warriors, known for their emphasis on the three-pointer since the arrival of Curry and Thompson, once again set the pace for long-range shooting. The combination of Curry’s unparalleled shooting range and Thompson’s ability to catch fire from beyond the arc has made them one of the most feared shooting duos in the history of the league.

However, the Mavericks’ performance also highlighted the growing significance of the three-pointer as a game-changing tool. While Dončić’s individual brilliance is often the focal point of Dallas’ offense, the team’s ability to knock down shots from deep helped them match the Warriors’ firepower. The game turned into an all-out shootout, with both teams relying heavily on the three-point shot to create scoring opportunities.

For the Warriors, the loss was a bitter one, especially given their record-breaking shooting performance in the first half. Despite their incredible efficiency from beyond the arc and the contributions from multiple players, they were unable to slow down Dončić and the Mavericks’ offensive onslaught.

The Warriors’ Offensive Strengths and Weaknesses

The Warriors’ performance in this game showcased the strengths and weaknesses of their offense. Their shooting from three-point range was undoubtedly a major strength, as evidenced by their 27 made threes. The team’s ball movement, with 39 assists, was another key factor in their offensive success. However, their defense struggled to contain Dončić and the Mavericks, especially in the second half when Dallas tightened their defense and kept pace with the Warriors’ offensive output.

Another area where the Warriors excelled was in their fast break opportunities. Their ability to transition quickly from defense to offense helped generate easy baskets, contributing to their high point total. But the Mavericks’ defense, though not as impressive as the Warriors’ shooting, was able to make stops at key moments, preventing Golden State from getting into an offensive rhythm in the latter stages of the game.

Looking Ahead for Both Teams

As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this high-scoring battle. For the Warriors, their shooting and playmaking are strengths they will continue to lean on, but they will need to improve their defense if they want to compete at the highest level in the playoffs. With players like Curry, Thompson, and Green still performing at a high level, the Warriors remain a dangerous team.

For the Mavericks, the performance of Luka Dončić is a bright spot for their future, and the team will continue to rely on his ability to dominate games. However, the Mavericks will need to develop more depth and consistency around Dončić to truly become championship contenders. If other players like Irving and Hardaway Jr. can contribute consistently, the Mavericks will become an even more formidable force in the Western Conference.

In conclusion, the game between the Warriors and Mavericks was a memorable one, filled with historic shooting performances and exceptional playmaking. While the Warriors’ three-point shooting and assists were impressive, they ultimately fell short against a Mavericks team led by Luka Dončić’s monster game. The game serves as a reminder of the modern NBA’s focus on three-point shooting and the importance of team play and individual brilliance in determining the outcome of games.