Warriors: The 5 keys to their record-breaking 16-0 start
By Tom West
The overshadowed emergence of Harrison Barnes
Bogut and Green both made an All-Defensive team last season, Curry and Klay Thompson were All-Stars, and Andre Iguodala came through to win Finals MVP. Essentially, there’s a lot of accolades being thrown around when it comes to the Warriors. While that’s all well and good, because all those players thoroughly deserve it, it does lead to some guys down the rotation being overlooked. Not just nobodies who are put in to rest the starters, because Golden State don’t have guys like that, but players who are instrumental to the team’s success.
Guys like Harrison Barnes, for example.
At 6’8″ with great explosiveness and an aggressive play style, Barnes’ ability to be utilized at multiple positions makes him a perfect fit in the Warriors’ fluid offense and various defensive rotations (as was discussed on the previous slide). He can guard perimeter positions on defense and can operate as a terror in transition or simple catch-and-shoot player on offense. That’s really all the Warriors need from him, and he does it well.
Barnes’ playing time has only increased by 2.4 minutes per game this season, but he’s still averaging career-highs in points (13.8), assists (2.1) and steals (0.9). On top of that, he’s shooting a career-best 49.7 percent from the floor while going 39.6 precent from three point range. With a 42.2 percent on his catch-and-shoot threes as well, he does what he needs to with excellent efficiency.
And that’s it. He’s the perfect example of a no-ego player who does all he can to help his team win while the stars get the credit.
His performance against the Los Angeles Clippers this season was a perfect indicator of the energy and production he has to offer. He recorded 17 points, 9 rebounds and a block. That doesn’t sound too amazing, but his play in the fourth quarter really shows what he can do.
With his Warriors down 10 with just seven minutes left in the game, Barnes suddenly took over.
When it looked like the Clippers may just hang on for the win, Barnes scored 10 straight points to bring his Warriors within one point. With that kind of momentum, the rest of the team followed suit, made big shots, and won the game 108-112.
Barnes has made more dagger threes this year than he gets credit for, and he can rise to the occasion when his team needs it. That combination of efficiency and energy at both ends of the floor makes him a vital part of the Warriors’ 16-0 start and he deserves more recognition for it.
Next: Stephen Curry (what a surprise)