On December 15, 2024, the Dallas Mavericks triumphed over the Golden State Warriors, 143-133, at the Chase Center, showcasing one of the most electrifying shooting scenes the NBA has ever seen.
Led by the sensational Luka Dončić, who poured in 45 points and notched his 80th career triple-double with 13 assists and 11 rebounds, the Mavericks exhibited remarkable offensive prowess. Dončić's stellar outing, shooting 16 for 23 from the field and 6 for 11 from three-point range, captured the essence of the night, and his performance has been hailed as one of his best yet.
The game set the stage for history, as the two teams combined for 48 made three-pointers, setting a new NBA record for the most triples by both teams in one game. The Warriors not only made 27 of those shots, marking the most by any team ever to lose, but they also showcased their sharpshooting prowess, particularly through Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry.
Thompson, back on the court where he had spent years crafting his legacy, contributed significantly against his former team, finishing with 29 points and seven made three-pointers. Meanwhile, Curry complemented him with 26 points and 10 assists, continuing to prove his mettle as one of the league’s elite shooters.
Early on, Dončić and the Mavericks asserted control, starting off the game scorching hot. They made 14 of their first 19 shots, racing out to a 39-18 lead. Maverick’s coach Jason Kidd commented, "The shot making was at a high; both teams shot the ball extremely well from 3. It was a fun game to watch, and making shots, both teams did it at high levels tonight.”
Despite Golden State’s push—led primarily by the efforts of Andrew Wiggins, who dropped 29 points—the Mavericks maintained their lead throughout the game. Notably, they overcame multiple runs from the Warriors, displaying impressive resilience and teamwork, allowing them to eventually seize the win.
Steve Kerr, the Warriors' coach, lamented his team's struggles against Dončić, stating, "The issue was Luka Dončić. That was the issue. I think they made their first nine shots, and he was incredible. Give him credit, give Dallas credit. They’ve got a hell of a team.”
One of the exciting highlights of the game came when Dallas widened their margin to 104-90 midway through the third quarter, when Dončić recorded his 40-point triple-double. He took over when it mattered most, cutting through the defense effectively to find scoring options for his teammates.
Draymond Green also had a notable game, contributing 21 points, including five three-pointers, responding to the Mavericks’ offense with his characteristic intensity on both ends of the court.
With the Warriors struggling as they dropped their eighth game out of their last ten, questions are looming about their ability to rebound and find stability. Meanwhile, the victory allowed the Mavericks to improve their momentum, marking their eighth win out of their last nine games and firmly establishing them as contenders.
This high-scoring affair saw the Mavericks’ Big Three—Dončić, Thompson, and Kyrie Irving—combine for a staggering 95 points, signifying their potent offense. Irving, rounding out the output, added 21 points and 8 assists, facilitating the flow of the game.
The upcoming schedule presents challenges for both teams. The Mavericks will host the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Warriors have set their eyes on facing off against the Memphis Grizzlies. With the season still young, the intensity and competition promise to escalate with each game.
Onlookers were not only treated to a score-fest, but they also witnessed defensive lapses and strategic adjustments from each side, making for high drama and entertainment throughout the evening. The Mavericks and Warriors gave fans everything they could have asked for and more during this record-breaking contest.
