PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 27: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a lay up over Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors as T.J. Warren #12 looks for a rebound during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 27, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Warriors defeated the Suns 135-116. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Golden State Warriors have been ripping the NBA apart thus far this year, going 17-0 over the first couple months of their season.
But it just got a little tougher for the reigning champs, as Harrison Barnes sprained his left ankle and left the win against the Phoenix Suns Nov. 27.
After the game, coach Luke Walton told the media it’s not known how long the small forward would be out. He had seven points and seven rebounds in 21 minutes.
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If Barnes is out long-term, that changes things for the Warriors. It means they’ll likely give the starting spot to Andre Iguodala. It’s not the end of the world; Iguodala was an All-Star and Finals MVP last year, after all. But having him start means he can’t come off the bench, which will limit the versatility of the Warriors’ lineups. Their one lineup of Iguodala-Barnes–Klay Thompson–Draymond Green–Stephen Curry, for example, loses part of its dominance without Barnes.
Still, when you can win 135-116 on an off night (the Warriors turned the ball over 23 times) and sit star Curry for the entire fourth quarter, it’s not the worst thing that could happen. Losing Barnes makes continuing the undefeated streak tougher, but the Warriors are still in great shape in the early going.
Curry continued his ridiculous season last night, scoring 41 points including nine 3-pointers. The Warriors hit 22 3-pointers, setting a franchise record and coming one short of tying the NBA record. Green claimed a triple double with 14 points, ten rebounds and ten assists. It’s the fourth time this year Curry has sat the entire fourth quarter.
Losing Barnes hurts the Warriors. But if Curry can keep setting the NBA on fire and their collection of talented big men keep frustrating opponents, it may not matter.
PHOTO: PHOENIX, AZ – NOVEMBER 27: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a lay up over Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors as T.J. Warren #12 looks for a rebound during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 27, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Warriors defeated the Suns 135-116. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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