Spurs Harrison Barnes’ surprising reaction to career night against Grizzlies

14th year pro made 10 of 20 shots, including 7-for-12 from 3-point range in a win against Memphis. He also grabbed five rebounds and dished out five assists in the Spurs’ fifth win in their last seven games. That’s the part where San Antonio was without a back Rookies of the Year Victor Vembanyama and Stephon Castle.

ClutchPoints asked Barnes if he wants to make up for the scoring deficit with two of the team’s top players sidelined with injury.

“No, I think the biggest thing I’m trying to do is just get around without the basketball. I think there’s enough people who can score,” Barnes said.

“I think if you look at the Denver game. The way Devin (Wassell) had an amazing fourth quarter, Julian (Champagne) played lights out. You know, even though we lost, I think the things you can take from the Minnesota game, the way Keldon (Johnson) played, there’s always somebody who can score.”

The former Golden State Warrior, Dallas Maverick, and most recently Sacramento King, whose career total is 39, then went into detail about what he wants to accomplish as his team eventually returns to full strength.

“I think my job is mostly to try to go in there and make good decisions, try to move without the basketball, try to just maintain continuity,” Barnes said. “Because we have different lineups than we’re used to doing, or different calls than we’re used to making, and we’re trying to figure it out on the fly.”
Praising other teammates who also stepped up in the absence of Wembey and Castle, the former North Carolina Tar Heel continued to downplay his contributions. His head coach doesn’t see it that way.

“It was a frustrating start in terms of attention to detail and some urgency in some ways,” Mitch Johnson said of the Grizzlies’ play as he turned to Barnes.
“And he always seems to have the ability to step it up when we need it most, especially when we’re in that little lull. He’s a pro.”

Barnes is averaging 13.3 points per game this year. That’s more than he averaged in either of the last two full seasons. Since arriving in the Alamo City via trade two Julys ago, he has not only played in every game, he has started every game. It is proved to be a constant for a a young team headed for the playoffs. Especially when they need him the most.