NBA Golden State Warriors

Confidence Is Key In Harrison Barnes’ Revival For Golden State Warriors

Fresh Videos

By

harrison barnes golden state warriors kobe bryant los angeles lakers

Getty Images

Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes is back.

Since Barnes’ breakout performance during the 2013 playoffs, Warriors fans have been waiting to hear those words. Barnes has averaged 16 points and six rebounds in his past four contests, shooting 60 percent from the field and 50 percent from three. While four games may be a small sample size, the eye test tells us that Barnes is playing differently this season – with the swagger we have not seen from him since his breakout playoffs over a season ago.

By nature, Barnes’ ability to perform hinges on his confidence level. Even before his NBA career began, Barnes was notable for his propensity to light it up during big games as a University of North Carolina Tar Heel, when the crowd was urging him on. However, he would also disappear for games on end during lower-leverage stretches in the schedule. Barnes has not changed since then – as an incredibly sincere player who takes what others say to heart, he can disappear when he does not feel like a key cog on his team.

This is why coach Steve Kerr sticking Barnes into the starting lineup has been so important; from day one, Kerr has communicated to Barnes that he is worth a starting role and is an indispensable member of the Warriors. Kerr’s telling Barnes to adopt a more aggressive response was well-received by the Black Falcon, and Barnes’ aggressiveness, has helped him find more open looks.

While Barnes’ shooting numbers are likely to regress somewhat as the season progresses, he has clearly changed his mindset and approach to become a real threat for Golden State.

Share Tweet
Trending Now on