Ever since joining the Spurs, Harrison Barnes has been the model of consistency. He has started and played in every game with San Antonio. He’s on par to reflect his last two seasons in Sacramento where he hadn’t missed a game since the 2021-2022 season.
But it’s not just his durability. Barnes offers a vet presence in the locker room and on the court. Now in his fourteenth season, he can lead the team through a challenging 48-minutes and come out victorious at the final buzzer.
What is most striking about Barnes is his modesty.
When asked last night about his 31-point night, which started with a 10-point first quarter (where his only miss came from the free throw line), he deflated any opportunity to play into ego.
When informed he had his highest scoring game in a Spurs uniform, he simply responded, “Man, that’s nice.”
instead of leaning into the success of the night, he went back to the Spurs last game which ended in a loss.
“In the Minnesota game, I think I made my first shot and then barely made another one after that. Tonight I made my first three…you just never know.”
Barnes, dubbed “Mr. 100%” by Sean Elliott for his accuracy hitting threes from the corners, attributes his strength to continual motion on the court, a trait he witnessed first had during his time in Gold State with Steph Curry, one of the greatest off ball players.
“There’s always someone who can score the basketball. I think my job is mostly to go in there and make good decisions, move without the basketball.”
He also spent much of his postgame interview praising his teammates. He had great words to share regarding Jeremy Sochan, Keldon Johnson, and Luke Kornet.
As for how the Spurs have responded without Victor Wembanyama, Barnes stated, “It’s everyone being ready. I think we’ve seen — in different games — whether it’s Kelly Olynyk stepping up. Whether it’s David Jones Garcia stepping up. Whether it’s Julian, Devin, Keldon, whoever it is. Carter, Dylan playing well. Jeremy, whoever it is filling that need. Obviously we can’t replace what Vic brings to the game on both sides of the floor. Just winning with different lineups gives a different confidence to a group that what we are doing as a collective.”
The depth is the key, something the team discussed before the season started.
“I don’t know how many different lineups we’ve had out in games. Finishing games, starting games. Everyone has had an opportunity to come and and impact winning I think that’s going to continue to be a driving force for us for the rest of the season.”
What Barnes is doing is making an impact.
When Dylan Harper was asked what he makes of Barnes contributions, the rookie shared “He’s the first one in the gym everyday. I think that’s kind of who he is. He’s that one guy, no matter what he’s always going to stay the same.”
The Spurs jumped on a plane and headed out to Orlando for the second night of a back to back against the Magic. Game starts at 6PM.
Welcome to the Thread. Join in the conversation, start your own discussion, and share your thoughts. This is the Spurs community, your Spurs community. Thanks for being here.
Our community guidelines apply which should remind everyone to be cool, avoid personal attacks, not to troll and to watch the language.