San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes is having a season full of ups and downs. After a sluggish start, he found his groove in mid-November, only to hit a rough patch starting in December.
This slump cost him his starting spot, but Barnes is now showing signs of resurgence. In his last 11 games, he's been quietly impressive, shooting 42.9% from beyond the arc on 4.5 attempts per game.
This is close to his performance last season when he became a key player for the Spurs. While it's still uncertain if this form will stick, Spurs fans are hopeful, given how crucial his shooting is for the team.
Barnes remains a vital part of the Spurs' championship aspirations. The team has excelled in tight situations this season, boasting a 13-5 record in games decided by five points or less with five minutes remaining.
Barnes often shares the floor during these critical moments with De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, and Victor Wembanyama. His impact is clear, as he leads the league in clutch time plus/minus with a +72.
His consistent presence in every game sets him apart from his teammates like Vassell and Fox, who haven't played as many games. Barnes' influence is undeniable, particularly on offense, where his shooting at the four is a significant asset. San Antonio's closing lineup benefits from excellent spacing, with four players shooting over 35% from three, and strong ball-handling and shot creation from Fox and Castle, with Wembanyama as the offensive anchor.
Defensively, this lineup is solid. Fox holds his own, Castle excels, Vassell is reliable, and Wembanyama is a defensive powerhouse, while Barnes provides serviceable defense. The combination of potent offense and stout defense makes this lineup formidable in crunch time, and Barnes is a key component.
Despite the roller coaster season, Barnes remains an essential piece of the Spurs' rotation. If he maintains his current form, the Silver and Black will likely continue to depend on him in crucial moments, where his impact on this young team is significant.