The San Antonio Spurs, with a record of 8-8, found themselves in a deep hole against the visiting Utah Jazz, trailing by as many as 20 points in the second quarter and 18 early in the third on Thursday night. But fear not, as UNC basketball product Harrison Barnes came to the rescue. In his debut season with the franchise, Barnes suddenly surged and carried the injury-laden Spurs to a remarkable 126-118 comeback victory.

Harrison Barnes' Statistical Performance

Barnes finished the game with an outstanding 25 points and 10 rebounds, marking his first double-double in his 13th NBA season. The 32-year-old Iowa native, a full-time starter throughout his career with four teams, added one assist and didn't commit a single turnover. He shot an incredibly efficient 8-for-13 from the field, 4-for-5 from beyond the arc, and 5-for-6 at the charity stripe in his game-high 36 minutes of action.Through 16 appearances for the Spurs this season (considering he played every game between his last two seasons with the Sacramento Kings), the 2010-12 UNC basketball forward is averaging 10.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting a career-best 42.6 percent from downtown on 3.9 attempts per outing.

Harrison Barnes and the Spurs' Recent Streak

Harrison Barnes and the San Antonio Spurs have been on a roll lately. They have won two straight games and four of their past six. This upcoming Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET, they will host one of the NBA Tar Heel's former teams, the Western Conference-leading Golden State Warriors (11-3). It will be an exciting match as Barnes continues to make his mark on the team.

The Importance of Barnes to the Spurs

Barnes' presence has been crucial for the Spurs. His ability to score, rebound, and play solid defense has given the team a much-needed boost. His shooting efficiency from both inside and outside the arc has been a major factor in their recent success. With him leading the way, the Spurs have shown that they can overcome big deficits and come out on top.Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more UNC basketball news and updates on Harrison Barnes and the San Antonio Spurs.