2016 NBA Finals: The Ultimate X-Factors

May 26, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Andre Iguodala (9) stands on the court prior to the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in game five of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 1, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) shoots the basketball against Portland Trail Blazers forward Al-Farouq Aminu (8) during the third quarter in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Trail Blazers 118-106. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Harrison Barnes, Golden State Warriors

Position: Small Forward
Age: 24 (5/30/1992)
Postseason Slash Line: .401/.362/.833
Postseason Averages: 30.6 MPG, 8.9 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.0 3PM

Harrison Barnes always seems to step up with a clutch 3-point field goal in the fourth quarter of a close game. That may seem like an oddly specific skill, but when the Golden State Warriors need him most, Barnes tends to step up with a clutch shot.

With LeBron James and Kevin Love stepping in as Barnes’ positional matchups, it may take more than a timely 3 to help the Warriors win a second championship.

Of course, Golden State isn’t winning or losing games based on how well Barnes plays. In a series that will feature four high-caliber opponents—Kyrie Irving, James, Love, and Tristan Thompson—that may change.

If Barnes is unable to hold his own against James and Love, the Warriors will pay the price.

Clearly, Barnes doesn’t need to match James or Love shot-for-shot. He does need to come through when his number is called, however, and that includes keeping Love and Thompson off the boards when he’s stationed at the 4.

Barnes will be a restricted free agent during the summer of 2016, and this is his chance to make his extra millions.

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