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A refresher on The Horry Scale: This tool evaluates a game-winning buzzer-beater (GWBB) by categorizing it into four criteria: the level of difficulty, the game context (was the team tied or trailing at that moment?), significance (was it a playoff match or just an ordinary November evening?), and the ensuing celebration. Ultimately, we assign a rating from 1 to 5 Robert Horrys, in honor of the revered figure renowned for miraculous last-second shots.
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As the Warriors strive to steer clear of the SoFi Play-In Tournament, a familiar adversary has dealt them a significant setback. Harrison Barnes, who began his career with the Golden State Warriors and was a member of the championship team in 2015, scored 20 points and clinched the game with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer, leading the Spurs to a 114-111 victory over the Warriors on Wednesday.
Following Draymond Green’s successful free throws, which leveled the score, the Spurs called a timeout with 3.1 seconds remaining to strategize the final play.
GAME CONTEXT: Both teams were facing off in the second leg of a back-to-back, and the Warriors appeared to run out of energy as the game neared its conclusion. After squandering a 14-point advantage, Barnes made an unconventional decision to foul Green while holding a two-point lead, which proved beneficial as it prevented a potential game-winning 3-pointer from Golden State while providing the Spurs with a shot at regulation.
DIFFICULTY: After Stephon Castle delivered the inbounds pass, Barnes had the option to either hand off the ball to the rookie, who led the team in scoring with 21 points, or maintain possession himself. The seasoned veteran, who had already sunk five 3-pointers during the match, chose to spin left and launch a shot over the extended arms of Jimmy Butler III. He took a couple of dribbles left before fading back to get the shot over the 6-foot-7 defender. The shot was flawless, triggering an enthusiastic celebration.
CELEBRATION: Barnes, who ended the game with a shooting line of 6-for-9 (all from beyond the arc), enjoyed a fleeting moment to hold his right hand in follow-through before being swarmed by teammates. Castle was the first to leap into the joyous veteran’s embrace, quickly joined by the rest of the team, who hoisted their hero in celebration as they danced down the court. One Spurs player opted to bypass the initial cluster, running towards midcourt to raise his fist in the air before rejoining his teammates in celebrating Barnes.
RATING: With San Antonio already out of playoff contention, each positive moment contributes to their future prospects. This road victory will serve as a memorable highlight for the young roster as they continue their rebuilding journey next season. For the Warriors, this defeat was particularly tough, plunging them from fourth to seventh in the Western Conference and into a potentially perilous Play-In position. For Barnes, securing the win in such dramatic fashion in a familiar arena seemed to carry added significance. We award it a score of 3 Horrys.
