As Matt Barnes stepped into the house with one twin at his side and the other waiting just inside. Instead of jabs or rivalry, the boys embraced. “Missed you, man,” one twin is seen whispering as he embraces his brother. After all, the two had gone an entire week without seeing each other. Moved by the heartwarming reunion, their father captured the emotional moment on camera and shared it with his followers. One of the twins recently confessed as they chose to honor their parents’ one request.

Matt Barnes and Gloria Govan welcomed twins Isaiah and Carter in November 2008. They separated in 2016 but co‑parented through their sons’ 8th‑grade promotion in June 2022. In July 2021, Govan married Barnes’ ex‑Laker teammate Derek Fisher, now head coach at Crespi Carmelite High School, where both boys play.

Barnes and Govan’s only condition: the twins must stay together until they leave for the pro league. During a Sportsing podcast, the Barnes twins declared that they don’t have many options. “Do we have a choice? I don’t think,” one of the twins said. When the host probed further on whether it’s just Gloria’s wish, the two added that it is their parents’ shared wish. “Both parents just don’t want us to split up, and we’re better together anyway, like it’s fine,” Isaiah said.

One of the twins even joked that he doesn’t like being separated, especially after the time Isaiah fell sick. “I’ve gone through it before, like he got sick and I was apart from him for like a week. 10 days, really, I don’t like this. This don’t suit me, bro, who am I supposed to mess with?” Carter joked.

It could be the time when Isaiah had to undergo an appendectomy. In August 2024, the former Los Angeles Lakers player shared shocking news on social media that a jogging Isaiah was struck by a car—initial scans showed no major damage. Two days later, severe abdominal pain landed him in the ER, where doctors discovered appendicitis. He underwent an emergency appendectomy and was home within days.

After that scare, the twins face a second rule. During the podcast, the twins agreed that they must meet another condition to play basketball.

Matt Barnes’ twins must follow this one condition for game time 

Just a few weeks ago, the twins made their parents proud. Both were named to the Second Team honors in the 2025 Mission League Boys Basketball All-League selections. Barnes proudly shared it on his IG. Isaiah and Carter share the same passion, love, and dedication for basketball as their NBA father. They recently revealed that they have received a Division 1 offer from the University of San Diego.

While their mother, Gloria Govan, is fully supportive of their passion, she has one condition. And it is that the twins must follow this one rule to continue playing. What is this strict rule? “She says no grades, no sports. So grades come first,” Isaiah said. During a recent episode, the mother of two demanded that the kids focus on their grades equally.

One of the twins even added that their favorite subject is Bible and Theology. “You get to learn about Jesus and things. […]  I so like my teacher. Classmates? Meh. Teacher? Yes!” one of the twins shared. Along with sports and education, the two also ensure they spend quality time with their family.

For Mother’s Day, the twins sent a heartwarming message tribute to their mother, Gloria. They also made a lovely gesture for their stepmother. The two went on a special dinner with Anansa Sims, who later penned a heartwarming message for the twins. So, whether it’s their parents’ wish or not, the two wish to stick with each other during their college days as well.