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7 Things Golden State Warriors Fans Should Look Forward to in 2016

By Michael Shultz

Dec 31, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors forward James Michael McAdoo (20) high fives his teammates during a Houston Rockets timeout in the second half at Toyota Center. The Warriors won 114 to 110. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors forward James Michael McAdoo (20) high fives his teammates during a Houston Rockets timeout in the second half at Toyota Center. The Warriors won 114 to 110. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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November 2, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) celebrates after making a basket against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 2, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) celebrates after making a basket against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

The Return of Harrison Barnes

The Golden State Warriors were relatively healthy during their championship run last season with only David Lee and Andrew Bogut missing significant time, but this season, they have been riddled with injuries. The most glaring one of them all has been the loss of Harrison Barnes. Barnes suffered a high ankle sprain in late November and has not returned since missing the last 15 games.

Barnes was playing his best basketball of his career when he went down, averaging a career-high in points, field goal percentage, free-throw percentage and assists per game. He was being more aggressive, looking for his shot and really solidifying himself as a key component to this team.

Where the Warriors have missed him most has been in their “small ball” lineup. The Warriors “small ball” lineup is almost unbeatable with Barnes playing the power forward, dominating at both ends of the floor. Along with Barnes, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala and Draymond Green is most efficient lineup in the NBA. This lineup scores 161 points per 100 possessions and allow only 90 points per 100 possessions, which means this lineup outscores their opponents by 71 points. This is an insane stat, showing why the Warriors were blowing out teams early in the season. When Barnes returns, look for the Warriors to get back to blowing teams out on a regular basis.

Next: All-Star Game: Who Will Represent the Warriors

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