On December 15, 2024, the Dallas Mavericks bested the Golden State Warriors 143-133 at the Chase Center, marking another thrilling chapter of their fierce rivalry and setting numerous records along the way.
The Mavericks came off the back of their Defeat by the Warriors earlier this season—a tight 120-117 matchup held on November 13, which had showcased the prowess of former Warrior Klay Thompson. Reuniting with the Mavericks for this exhilarating weekend showdown, Thompson was eager to face his old team once again.
But it was Mavericks star Luka Dončić who dominated the floor, delivering a spectacular triple-double with game-high stats of 45 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists, not to mention swiping 3 steals and blocking 2 shots. His performance was pivotal as the Mavericks maintained their lead from the first quarter, demonstrating offensive synergy and fantastic shooting throughout the game.
The first half saw the Mavericks establishing themselves firmly on the scoreboard with Dončić leading the charge. Halftime concluded with the Mavericks holding on to 81 points, boosted by their stellar three-point shooting. The first half was historical, as both teams combined to set an NBA record for three-point shots made within the first half, tallying 30 successful attempts. The Mavericks shot effectively, scoring 48% from beyond the arc compared to the Warriors' 56.3%.
The scoring prowess didn't end there. The game's intensity persisted throughout, with the Mavericks' coach Jason Kidd expressing his satisfaction post-game, stating, "The shooting accuracy was high, and both teams had very good three-pointers. It was fun to watch and fun to play."
Klay Thompson, who now plays for the Mavericks, contributed with 29 points, hitting 7 out of 11 from three-point range, and all eyes were on him as he faced his former teammates. After the game, Thompson remarked, “I love shooting here at Chase Center. Making records here has created wonderful memories.”
Both teams set the record for the most combined three-pointers made in NBA history with 48 successful shots, surpassing the previous record of 45 set during the Warriors vs. Pelicans game on January 16, 2019. The Warriors made 27 three-pointers, scored by Curry’s 7 and Andrew Wiggins' and Draymond Green’s 5 each.
Curry himself contributed significantly to the game with 26 points, highlighting his consistency and leadership on the court; he also managed 10 assists, making him another pivotal player for the Warriors. The performance of Wiggins and Green, who contributed 29 and 21 points respectively, showcased the depth of the Warriors' lineup even as they faced defeat.
While the game boasted numerous highlight worthy moments, the defensive matchup was equally riveting. Despite the final score, the Warriors fought hard, and the statistics reflected the challengers’ tenacity. Still, it was evident the Mavericks had come prepared to claim victory.
Remarkably, the combined three-point shooting performance not only showcased the prowess of both teams but also illustrated the growing trend of long-range shooting dominating the league. Fans and analysts alike were left astonished by the breathtaking combinations of skill and speed on display during this match, with social media buzzing immediately after the final horn.
This game not only stands as another victory for the Mavericks but also as affirmation of their capability to challenge and compete fiercely against one of the league’s most established teams. Indeed, both teams seem poised to finish strong as the season continues.
Overall, the match was more than just another season game; it was emblematic of the future of the NBA as teams are increasingly leaning on three-point shooting and high-scoring games to win. With iconic players contributing to historical high-scoring affairs, basketball fans have far more to look forward to this season.
With the season still young, these two teams will undoubtedly meet again. Expect both teams to bring the same excitement and intensity when they next clash on the court!
