In an electric showdown on Sunday night, the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors combined to make an NBA-record 48 three-pointers during an intense game in San Francisco. The Mavericks ultimately claimed a 143-133 victory, fueled by a dominant performance from Luka Dončić. This thrilling encounter not only marked a historical moment for 3-point shooting but also highlighted the evolving offensive strategies in today’s NBA.
A Historic Night for 3-Point Shooters
The game between the Mavericks and Warriors was an absolute spectacle for fans of perimeter shooting. Both teams set a new NBA record, combining for 48 made three-pointers, surpassing the previous record of 44 set earlier this year. The Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns had just tied the 44-mark two days prior, and the record had originally been set by the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Clippers in a wild February 2023 triple-overtime game.
On Sunday, Golden State set a franchise record by sinking 18 3-pointers in the first half alone, and the Warriors’ total of 27 three-pointers for the game became the most ever in an NBA loss. Remarkably, teams had been 11-0 in games where they made 27 or more 3-pointers, but the Warriors were on the losing end this time, despite their hot shooting.
48 MADE THREES 🎯
The Mavericks and Warriors combined for the most 3PM in a single game in NBA history!
Mavs get the big win in The Bay 🔥 pic.twitter.com/khzBnblXSB
— NBA (@NBA) December 16, 2024Luka Dončić Leads Mavericks to Victory
Dallas’ offense was led by their star, Luka Dončić, who turned in a masterful performance. He finished with a triple-double, scoring 45 points, dishing out 13 assists, and grabbing 11 rebounds. Dončić was also efficient from beyond the arc, making 6 of his 11 three-point attempts. His playmaking and scoring were crucial in keeping the Mavericks ahead throughout the game, especially as the Warriors kept pace with their own hot shooting.
Klay Thompson, facing his former team in his second visit to Chase Center as a visitor, had a memorable night of his own. The veteran guard, known for his legendary shooting ability, scored a season-high 29 points. Thompson was incredibly efficient, knocking down 7 of his 11 three-point attempts. His final 3-pointer, a clutch shot from the right wing, set the record for the most combined three-pointers in NBA history. After the game, Thompson shared his emotional thoughts on returning to the Bay Area, where he spent the majority of his career.
Seeing all of the No. 11 jerseys still makes me happy and makes me feel so thankful for the time I did spend here. “Remarkable stuff,” Thompson thought. It’s time to perform some iconic feats in Dallas. I have a lot of faith in this group. We have all we need to be truly exceptional.
Warriors’ Hot Shooting Falls Short
While the Mavericks emerged victorious, the Warriors were no slouches in this high-scoring affair. Stephen Curry, as always, was a key contributor, knocking down 7 three-pointers on 13 attempts. Andrew Wiggins was the Warriors’ top scorer, finishing with 29 points, including 5 three-pointers from 9 attempts. Draymond Green also had a standout performance from deep, hitting 5 three-pointers in the game. This was the first time in nearly eight months that Green had made five 3-pointers in a single game, underscoring his versatility as a playmaker and defender.
Despite their record-breaking 27 made 3-pointers, the Warriors couldn’t keep up with the Mavericks’ explosive offense, particularly Dončić’s triple-double.
The Evolution of the 3-Point Game
This game is the latest example of how the NBA has evolved into a 3-point shooting league. Teams are increasingly relying on the three-point shot as a key weapon in their offensive arsenals. Heading into Sunday’s game, NBA teams were averaging a record 37.5 three-point attempts per game, marking the highest average in league history and a notable jump from previous seasons. The increase in 3-point shooting has been gradual but undeniable, reflecting the growing importance of floor spacing, perimeter shooting, and offensive efficiency in the modern NBA.
While Sunday’s game featured a historic display of accuracy, it’s also important to note the growing prevalence of 3-point shooting, for better or worse. In fact, just days earlier, the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets set an unfortunate record by missing 75 three-pointers in a regulation game—proving that, while teams are committed to launching 3s at a record pace, not all efforts are as successful as those seen on Sunday.
Summary of the Historic 3-Point Breakdown
Here’s a quick look at how both teams fared from beyond the arc:
Mavericks:
Klay Thompson: 7 for 11
Luka Dončić: 6 for 11
Quentin Grimes: 4 for 8
P.J. Washington: 2 for 4
Olivier-Maxence Prosper: 1 for 2
Kyrie Irving: 1 for 4
Spencer Dinwiddie: 0 for 1
Team Total: 21 for 41 (51%)
Warriors:
Stephen Curry: 7 for 13
Andrew Wiggins: 5 for 9
Draymond Green: 5 for 9
Lindy Waters III: 4 for 7
Buddy Hield: 3 for 8
Jonathan Kuminga: 2 for 3
Brandin Podziemski: 1 for 3
Gary Payton II: 0 for 2
Team Total: 27 for 54 (50%)
The Future of the 3-Point Revolution
As teams continue to prioritize 3-point shooting, it’s clear that records like the one set in Sunday’s game will become more common in the NBA. The surge in three-point attempts is part of a larger trend towards more dynamic and fast-paced offenses that focus on spacing and scoring from deep. For the Mavericks, their 3-point shooting ability, combined with Dončić’s playmaking skills, will make them a formidable force as the season progresses.
Meanwhile, the Warriors, despite the loss, are a reminder of how dangerous they remain when they get hot from deep. With players like Curry, Thompson, and Green, Golden State can still be one of the league’s top threats—especially when their 3-point shooting clicks.
Sunday’s game was a perfect example of the direction the NBA is heading, where records are made and broken, and the 3-point line remains at the heart of it all.
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