If the Warriors are going to survive without Steph Curry, they’re gonna need big contributions from Jordan Poole.
On Sunday evening, Poole played the part as Steph Lite, dropping a career-high 43 points while scoring from all three levels. When he makes his mind up to drive to the hoop, his handle seems so quick that no one can stop him. When he’s stroking his mid-range game and whipping around screens for uncontested 3-pointers, watch out.
The Toronto Raptors found out Sunday night, as Poole needed just 23 field goal attempts to get his 43 points. OK, so it wasn’t as epic as Steph’s 43-point performance in Game 4 of the 2022 NBA Finals, Poole’s eye-opening outing gave the Warriors a much-needed road win, in a season when they have been scarce.
Recent injuries to Curry and Wiggins have opened up starting spots for Poole in the lineup lately and he’s flourished, looking like the 23-year-old rising star worthy of a four-year, $123 million deal. In those eight games he’s started recently, Poole is averaging 26.3 points per game.
The splits for Poole as a starter and a bench player are startling. In 12 starts this season, he’s averaging 26.8 points per game while shooting 46.4 percent from the field and 35.1 percent from 3-point land. As a reserve? He’s averaging just 14.1 points per game, while shooting 40.8 percent from the floor and 31.1 percent from 3-point land.
The biggest difference for Poole lately is that he’s not hesitating with the ball, like he was to start the year. A passive Poole isn’t a good Poole.
That’s not to say he’s got it all figured out. First things first, he needs to be an electric scorer, which he’s been doing lately. His playmaking ability could still improve despite his career-high 4.7 assists per game. His defense is still suspect, as he often resorts to lazy fouls after getting caught out of position, but Poole’s consistency is coming at the right time for the Steph-less Dubs.
The question for Poole will be – how to keep up his production off the bench? The next few weeks he could be running free while Curry’s left shoulder is healing, but how will Poole adjust to a reserve role when the time comes?
Coach Steve Kerr has been steadfast in his support for Klay Thompson, who has started all 25 games he’s appeared in this year. Barring a big change from Kerr, Poole will eventually be a sixth man in a few weeks. Maintaining his production will be key for the Warriors’ chances at a repeat title.
For now, Dub Nation should enjoy the ride, as Poole looks like he’s locked in. After an inconsistent start to the season, he’s putting together another stretch like he did to wrap up last season, when he scored at least 20 points in 17 straight contests.
