Spurs F Harrison Barnes' Decade-Long Starting Streak Ends vs. Hornets

Veteran forward Harrison Barnes came off the bench for the first time in 11 years as the Spurs look to shake up their lineup.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 10:07am

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After starting every NBA game he's played over the last decade, San Antonio Spurs veteran forward Harrison Barnes' historic starting streak came to an end in the team's 111-106 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday. Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson cited a desire to get Devin Vassell back into the starting lineup as the reason for the change, though he praised Barnes' professionalism and productivity in his first game off the bench in over a decade.

Why it matters

Barnes' starting streak of 775 consecutive games is an impressive feat that speaks to his durability and consistency over his 14-year NBA career. The Spurs are looking to shake up their lineup as they continue to integrate top draft pick Victor Wembanyama, and the move to bring Barnes off the bench could be part of that process as the team experiments with different rotations.

The details

In 25 minutes off the bench, Barnes scored 11 points on 3-of-6 shooting, with most of his shots coming from beyond the arc. Coach Johnson praised Barnes' approach and productivity in the new role, saying "The big deal is just Harrison. And, again, his approach showed that he had a productive game off the bench." Vassell, who had been in a reserve role since returning from injury, was reinserted into the starting lineup alongside Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox, and Stephon Castle.

  • Barnes' last game off the bench was on January 14, 2016 when he was with the Golden State Warriors.
  • Vassell returned from a left adductor strain injury on January 25, 2026.

The players

Harrison Barnes

A 14-year NBA veteran forward who had started every game he's played over the last decade until the Spurs' loss to the Hornets.

Mitch Johnson

The first-year head coach of the San Antonio Spurs.

Devin Vassell

A Spurs starting guard who had been in a reserve role since returning from injury, but was reinserted into the starting lineup against the Hornets.

Victor Wembanyama

The Spurs' top draft pick and a mainstay in the starting lineup.

Julian Champagnie

A Spurs forward who has become the team's marksman, shooting 37% from 3-point range.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.