BARTON HAS BIG ROLE IN RACE FOR PLAYOFFS
Will Barton pulled up for a 13foot jumper, then clapped his hands while screaming “Let’s go!” after his shot prompted Clippers coach Doc Rivers to call a timeout in the first quarter.
That was the start of a 31-point outburst from Barton on Saturday, his second-highest scoring effort of the season and the latest gem from a player who has filled more roles than any Nugget this season. He has been Denver’s sixth man, its backup point guard and its starting small forward. And now he’s filling in admirably for injured Gary Harris at starting shooting guard, helping put the Nuggets on the cusp of their first playoff berth since 2013 with two games remaining.
“We’re not in this position without him — there’s no doubt about that,” coach Michael Malone said of Barton. “He’s worn many hats this year. … The best thing about Will is he doesn’t care (about his role). He just wants to play. He wants the ball in his hands to make a play.”
Barton has averaged 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists during Harris’ absence over the past 11 games, a stretch that includes Denver’s season-best five-game winning streak to sit tied record-wise with Minnesota for the final playoff slot in the Western Conference.
A player who has consistently been criticized by outsiders for a lack of efficiency is shooting 46.1 percent from the floor, 38.8 percent from 3-point distance and 92.3 percent from the free-throw line over that stretch, noticeable upticks from his career averages of 44.8, 36.3 and 80.8, respectively.
Barton has spent recent summers working on his shot, aware that consistency has been a knock against him since he entered the NBA in 2012. Now he feels like any game is “over with” when he can complement that jumper with an ability to take defenders off the dribble and get to the basket to finish or distribute. His 11-of-15 shooting from the floor — including 5of-9 from 3-point range — in Saturday’s knockout of the Clippers in Los Angeles was his highest shooting percentage with double-digit attempts this season.
“I relish in those moments,” Barton said. “I’d rather have (Harris) there, of course, especially with what we’re trying to accomplish. But one man down, I just have to take it upon myself to be better.”
After a road win at Washington two weeks ago, Barton spoke at length about embracing his role as
PORTLAND AT DENVER
Spotlight on Damian Lillard:
Though he’s recently missed time because of a sprained ankle and the birth of his son, Lillard has been a darkhorse MVP candidate for the Trail Blazers. Lillard is averaging 26.8 points, 6.6 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game while shooting 43.9 percent from the floor, including 36.3 percent from 3-point distance. And with Portland still fighting for playoff positioning, “Lillard Time” — the phrase coined to describe his ability to score in bunches in the fourth quarter — could be needed in Monday’s game against the Nuggets. the Nuggets’ self-proclaimed “fall guy,” or the player outsiders always seem blame when things go wrong. He has heard he dribbles too much, takes ill-advised shots and should not have the ball in his hands at crunchtime.
But Barton has also endured Denver’s rebuild since arriving via a trade in 2015. He’s thankful that this is where his career began to flourish. He has expressed belief in his teammates all season and spoken candidly about his mistakes.
And now he can “smell” that coveted playoff berth.
“When I got here, that was a big part of my vision,” Barton said, “being a part of turning this thing around and being a key cog in getting this thing back on track. We’re this close.”