Memphis Grizzlies tie NBA three-point record but lose to Cavaliers

The Memphis Grizzlies equalled the NBA single-game record by hitting 29 three-pointers on Monday night, yet still suffered a 142-126 home defeat by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Nine different players found the target from beyond the arc for the Tennessee franchise.

However, their historic perimeter shooting was not enough to secure victory against a dominant visiting side.

The home team shot an impressive 49.2% from deep, converting 29 of their 59 attempts.

A historic but fruitless achievement

This remarkable tally matches the overall NBA benchmark previously shared by the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics.

Milwaukee set the original milestone during a 144-97 victory over the Miami Heat in December 2020.

Boston subsequently equalled that feat earlier this season during an October win against the New York Knicks.

Consequently, this performance marks the highest number of three-pointers ever made by a losing team in basketball history.

They surpass the previous unwanted record of 27, which was established by the Golden State Warriors in 2024.

Reserves shine amidst difficult run

Bench players Adama Bal and Dariq Whitehead led the perimeter barrage with six three-pointers apiece.

Lucas Williamson added five more from deep, while Olivier-Maxence Prosper successfully converted four of his five attempts.

The team sank 10 threes in both the first and fourth quarters to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Conversely, the victorious Cavaliers only required 12 successful shots from three-point range to comfortably seal their road win.

This latest defeat extends a dismal run of form for a struggling Memphis squad.

They have now lost 18 of their past 20 fixtures, despite vastly exceeding their season average of 13.7 three-pointers per game on this historic night.