On December 29, 2020, the Milwaukee Bucks etched their names into NBA history by setting the record for the most three-pointers made by a team in a single game. In a dominant performance against the Miami Heat, the Bucks connected on an astonishing 29 three-pointers, cruising to a 144-97 victory. This remarkable achievement not only showcased the team’s sharpshooting abilities but also highlighted the depth and versatility of their roster.
A Record-Breaking Performance
The Bucks’ three-point barrage was nothing short of extraordinary. Shooting 56.9% from beyond the arc, they made 29 of their 51 attempts. Impressively, 12 of the 13 players who took the court contributed to this record-breaking feat, demonstrating the team’s collective offensive firepower. Leading the charge was Jrue Holiday, who sank six of his 10 three-point attempts, setting the tone for the rest of the team.
Contributions Across the Roster
The three-point clinic put on by the Bucks was a true team effort:
- Jrue Holiday: 6 three-pointers made (6/10)
- Donte DiVincenzo: 5 three-pointers made (5/6)
- Khris Middleton: 4 three-pointers made (4/5)
- Brook Lopez: 3 three-pointers made (3/4)
- D.J. Augustin: 2 three-pointers made (2/4)
- Bryn Forbes: 2 three-pointers made (2/5)
- Jordan Nwora: 2 three-pointers made (2/3)
- Bobby Portis: 1 three-pointer made (1/3)
- Thanasis Antetokounmpo: 1 three-pointer made (1/2)
- Pat Connaughton: 1 three-pointer made (1/2)
- D.J. Wilson: 1 three-pointer made (1/4)
- Sam Merrill: 1 three-pointer made (1/1)
The moment of history came when Sam Merrill drained a three-pointer with 6:07 left in the fourth quarter, pushing the Bucks’ total to 28, surpassing the previous NBA record of 27 set by the Houston Rockets on April 7, 2019. The Bucks would go on to add one more three-pointer, setting a new high-water mark for long-range shooting in a single game.
A New Benchmark in the NBA
Since that historic night, only two other teams have managed to match or come close to the Bucks’ record, with both the Houston Rockets and Utah Jazz making 28 three-pointers in games during the 2020-2021 season. However, the Bucks’ achievement stands alone at the top, a testament to their exceptional shooting and teamwork.
The All-Time List
As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, the record for the most three-pointers made in a game is led by the Milwaukee Bucks:
- 29 three-pointers made: Bucks (12/29/2020) | Win vs. Miami (144-97)
- 28 three-pointers made: Rockets (2/2
/2021) | Win vs. OKC (136-106)
- 28 three-pointers made: Jazz (2/22/2021) | Win vs. Charlotte (132-110)
- 27 three-pointers made: Rockets (4/7/2019) | Win vs. Phoenix (149-113)
- 27 three-pointers made: Nets (2/15/2021) | Win vs. Sacramento (136-125)
- 27 three-pointers made: Warriors (5/8/2021) | Win vs. OKC (136-97)
- 27 three-pointers made: Jazz (12/3/2021) | Win vs. Boston (137-130)
- 27 three-pointers made: Celtics (11/5/2022) | Win vs. Knicks (133-118)
- 27 three-pointers made: Warriors (4/9/2023) | Win vs. Portland (157-101)
- 27 three-pointers made: Rockets (3/23/2024) | Win vs. Utah (147-119)
