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How are former Golden State Warriors fairing to begin 2023 NBA Playoffs?

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 23: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by Harrison Barnes #40 of the Sacramento Kings in the second half Game Four of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Chase Center on April 23, 2023 in San Francisco, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 23: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by Harrison Barnes #40 of the Sacramento Kings in the second half Game Four of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Chase Center on April 23, 2023 in San Francisco, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Harrison Barnes was a topic of NBA social media on Sunday afternoon when he missed a tremendous opportunity to gain near-perfect revenge on his former team in the Golden State Warriors.

The 2015 NBA champion had the chance to give his Sacramento Kings a 3-1 lead with a game-winning attempt at the buzzer in Game 4, but he only hit back iron in a simultaneous feeling of joy and relief for the hosts.

How are former Golden State Warriors fairing to begin the 2023 NBA Playoffs? Check out the evaluation of all players below.

Barnes’ two missed threes in the final minute of Game 4 are an encapsulation of his struggles throughout the series to date. While he had a couple of thunderous dunks to signify his return to the postseason on his home floor, the 30-year-old is averaging 13 points on 42.2% shooting and 25% from three-point range. Not that Warrior fans are sympathetic after his major struggles in the 2016 Finals that sits in the minds of many.

Outside of Barnes, there are only three other former Warriors currently competing in the 2023 NBA Playoffs. They’re all also in the Western Conference, meaning Golden State could see them should they advance past Sacramento.

Former Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes celebrates after a big dunk over Klay Thompson in Game 2.(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Former Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes celebrates after a big dunk over Klay Thompson in Game 2.(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Kevin Durant

Despite battling injury since his time with the Phoenix Suns, the two-time Finals MVP is averaging a whopping 43.8 minutes through the first four games of their series against the Los Angeles Clippers. Durant has been at his efficient best, fitting into the Suns offense seamlessly in averaging 27.8 points on 51.5% shooting and 38.9% from three-point range.

The 34-year-old is also adding eight rebounds, 6.8 assists, one steal and one block per game, with the Suns taking advantage of an undermanned Clippers to hold a 3-1 lead heading back to Phoenix for Game 4.

Damion Lee

An NBA champion with the Warriors last season, Lee played a crucial bench role at times for the Suns during the regular season. However, his 20.4 minutes per game has reduced to 9.5 through three playoff games after missing Game 1. Head coach Monty Williams has unsurprisingly wanted to ride his key players more come the postseason, with Lee feeling the effects of that notion.

Next. Risky, unselfish decision spurs Golden State Warriors to win in Game 4. dark

D’Angelo Russell

Back under the bright lights in Los Angeles, Russell has struggled meet expectations through three games. The 27-year-old is averaging 13.7 points on 33.3% from the field and 28.6% from three-point range, including a disastrous Game 2 where he had five points and three turnovers on 11 shots. Russell and the Lakers hold a 2-1 lead and home-court advantage over the Memphis Grizzlies, and a series win for they and the Warriors would see a tantalizing second-round matchup.

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