Harrison Barnes received his initial NBA Western Conference Player of the Week award for his outstanding performances in the week ending November 24, 2024. This acknowledgment follows guiding the San Antonio Spurs to a flawless 3-0 record with wins against the Thunder, Jazz, and Warriors.
Impressive Stats Lead the Way
Barnes scored an average of 22.3 points and grabbed 8.7 rebounds in three games, with a solid 61.8% field goal percentage and an impressive 60% accuracy from beyond the arc. He scored at least 20 points in three games in a row, with a notable double-double of 25 points and 10 rebounds against Utah, playing a season-high 36 minutes. Barnes demonstrated his composure and effectiveness by playing 100 minutes throughout the week without making any turnovers.
A Career-First in Year 13
In his 13th season in the NBA, Barnes breaks a league record by becoming the player with the longest career to win his first Player of the Week award. He outperforms Mike Conley and Jrue Holiday, who both hit this achievement in their 12th NBA seasons. Barnes had a remarkable breakout week despite only averaging 9.2 points and 3.9 rebounds in his first 14 games of the season.
Spurs End Award Drought
Barnes is the first Spurs player to receive Player of the Week accolades since 2020, when DeMar DeRozan achieved the honor. Moreover, his effective performance and leadership have played a key role in the Spurs’ recent achievements, sparking renewed enthusiasm from their supporters.
While Barnes keeps improving, his transition from a supporting player to a consistent standout demonstrates that persistence leads to success, even after ten years in the league.
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