Doc Rivers Made The Right Decision By Removing Matt Barnes From Los Angeles Clippers’ Starting Lineup
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Clippers broke out of their early season slump Saturday night, rallying in the second half to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 106-102. The Clippers played with more energy than they had in the first five games of the season and finally started to resemble a championship team. Head coach Doc Rivers made one minor adjustment before the game, removing Matt Barnes from the starting lineup, that may have made all the difference.
Rivers decided to start Jamal Crawford in place of Barnes, but in reality, anyone could have started in his place. Don’t get me wrong, Barnes isn’t a bad player, he is just better suited coming off the bench like he has been doing the majority of his career.
Coming off the bench against Portland, Barnes made both shots he attempted and also added three rebounds, one steal and one blocked shot in 25 minutes. His numbers may not have filled up the box score, but he looked more like the Barnes of old. His gritty defense and timely shooting helped spark the Clippers in the second half, showing once again he can be a key contributor off the bench.
As part of the starting unit, Barnes was asked to do too much and play out of his comfort zone. He has more freedom off the bench and his style of play meshes well with fellow role players Jordan Farmar and Glen Davis. Add Spencer Hawes to the mix and the Clippers have a very solid bench rotation.
Barnes is the definition of an NBA journeyman. He has played for eight teams in 13 years but seems to have finally found a home with the Clippers, where he has played the last three seasons. Barnes has made it clear that he has only one goal in mind and that is to win a championship. If he wants the Clippers to have a chance at accomplishing that goal, he must accept his role off the bench. Not only must he accept it, but he must flourish in it as well.
Dan Lovi is an NBA writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DannyALovi. “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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