Jordan Poole steps up in close win against the Jazz
Jordan Poole finished Sunday night’s matchup against the Jazz with a team-high twenty points along with three rebounds and two assists. No one else on the squad finished with more than fourteen points but the Dubs managed to pull out a narrow victory after an in and out three by Bojan Bogdanovic that would've given the Jazz the win. Give JP some credit for sticking with it, as the last few games since Klay has been back, he has been coming off the bench. Whereas all last year when Klay was gone, he was given ample time to start and play.
But in the weeks prior he has made the most of his minutes, including tonight’s game where he got the start with Klay out due to knee soreness. He did not disappoint, as late in the second quarter with Jordan Clarkson all over him, he hit a mean in and out into a three-pointer, sending Clarkson flying to the floor.
Not just the flashy plays, but he also brought the shot making the Warriors have been lacking for the past few games. The Dubs' last three games were decided by less than four points so every made shot was crucial. After the Rockets game the other night, even Steve Kerr said that Poole receives the same message that the team gets, “To play your ass off every night.”
Maybe that is why the Warriors as a whole are playing so well this season, because everyone is out there hustling and giving 110% on both sides of the ball. Poole did so and knocked down his shots and it showed in the box score, he shot 53.8% from the field and 44.4% from three. His last ten games he has been in somewhat of a shooting slump, only averaging 35.7% from the field and 28.8% from three and scoring 12.4 points per game. His increased shot making could have been a result of him getting the start, but whatever it was, this game was a welcome sign for him and his confidence moving forward.
To have a great game against the Jazz is no joke either, they sit at 30-17 which is good enough for fourth place in the West. The Warriors, however, are still in second place at 34-13 and every game from now on matters as the Grizzles, Jazz, and Mavs are inching closer to the top spots. The difference between these teams is their defense. Obviously, the Warriors are missing Draymond’s presence on defense, but the Jazz have big man Rudy Gobert who always finds himself in Defensive Player of the Year award talks. The Dubs were trying their best to switch him out to the perimeter, but Jordan Poole seemed to be unafraid when it came to driving in the paint, making tough basket after tough basket.
Like previously stated, the Warriors managed to squeeze out the win thanks to Poole’s contributions and ability to score. It was an ugly win for sure but if it means that Poole can gain some extra confidence and help others find their rhythm, I am all for it.
(Photo credit: Getty Image)