Thrilling Finish: Spurs Edge Warriors with Barnes' Buzzer-Beater

SAN FRANCISCO – In an electrifying conclusion, Harrison Barnes nailed a game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer after nearly putting his team in jeopardy with a foul. The San Antonio Spurs pulled off a shocking 114-111 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night.

With just 3.1 seconds left, Draymond Green sunk two crucial free throws, tying the game at 111 after Barnes fouled him. Then, Barnes launched the decisive shot over Jimmy Butler, immediately being swarmed by jubilant teammates as the final horn blared.

Keldon Johnson was pivotal in the closing moments, sinking a go-ahead layup with 11 seconds on the clock, and scored 21 points overall. His layup followed his game-tying play just 32 seconds earlier.

Despite Butler’s impressive 28-point effort, including 13 in the final quarter and a stellar 16-of-17 at the free-throw line, and Stephen Curry’s 30 points accompanied by five 3-pointers and eight rebounds, this loss could hinder the Warriors’ aim for a top-six playoff spot, forcing them into the play-in tournament.

Stephon Castle also contributed significantly, matching Johnson with 21 points for San Antonio.

Green bolstered his stats with 13 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, yet the Warriors succumbed to a second consecutive crucial home defeat.

Buddy Hield, energizing from the bench, added 12 points. Despite their seeming vibrancy for much of the match—having recently trounced Phoenix 133-95, compared to San Antonio’s 122-117 setback against the Clippers—the Warriors failed to sustain the momentum.

Barnes, facing his old team, tallied 20 points as the Spurs broke their three-game losing streak, marking only their second win in 10 matches.

A key highlight came when Curry sank two consecutive 3-pointers in just 30 seconds early in the third quarter, reaching his milestone of 300 for the season—the sixth time he’s achieved this NBA record in a single season.