UNC Basketball: Harrison Barnes’ big game thwarted by Harden, Rockets

Former UNC basketball standout Harrison Barnes put up big numbers on New Year’s Eve, but his efforts were thwarted by James Harden and the Houston Rockets.

Sacramento Kings small forward Harrison Barnes did everything he could to will his team to victory on Thursday night, but his efforts were thwarted by James Harden and the Houston Rockets.

Barnes scored a team-high and season-high 24 points on an 8-for-14 shooting performance that included 2-of-5 from three-point range and 6-of-6 from the free throw line. He also grabbed eight rebounds to go along with an assist, a block, a steal and just one turnover in 37 minutes of play.

For Barnes, it was his second game in the Kings’ first five that he’s scored over 20 points, and his third game of at least eight rebounds. He’s also hit five of his last 11 shots from beyond the arc after missing his first six attempts to begin the season.

Despite his stellar performance, however, the Kings simply couldn’t get over the hump in the game’s waning moments. Harden scored a game-high 33 points — his third game in a row of at least that many to begin the season — along with eight assists and six rebounds, leading his team to a 122-119 victory at the Toyota Center.

The Kings are still 3-2 after the loss, with wins over Denver (twice) and Phoenix. They’ll face off with the Rockets for the second time in three days on Saturday, looking to improve on their win total in the incredibly competitive Pacific Division.

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