Like most members of the Golden State Warriors, Jordan Poole struggled out of the gate against the Philadelphia 76ers. The 2019 first-round pick picked up eight points on a 2-of-9 shooting from the floor in 18 minutes against the Sixers in the first half Tuesday. Poole couldn’t get into rhythm from long range, firing 0-of-4 from depth in the first half.
Despite a rough start, Poole helped lead the Warriors to a 14-point return in the third quarter, scoring nine points with a pair three times.
While the Warriors couldn’t finish back with a win, Poole recorded another impressive scoring performance, scoring 19 points on a 5-of-16 scramble from the field with four rebounds and two assists in 39 assists. minutes. Poole has now scored 18 points or more in five of his last six games.
On Wednesday, Steve Kerr praised Poole ‘s effort against the Sixers.
I love Jordan’s game yesterday. I think it’s really important as a young player to be able to survive very slowly, with nothing to go in your way, and still find a way to score. We need Jordan to score right now, especially without Steph (Curry). So since he’s getting over a really rough start and getting 19 points and making really great plays for us, it’s a good sign. I think it’s very mature.
Poole’s performance against the 76ers was just one of several notable appearances from the guard in the second year since his return from the G League bubble. After spending time with the Santa Cruz Warriors, Poole has looked very different from the start of the 2020-21 campaign. In his last eight games, Poole averages 20.6 points on shooting 51.3% from the field and 41% from outside the arc with 2.5 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game.
After Poole’s recent stint with the Warriors, Kerr has given the Michigan light a green light to allow him to fly.
His decisions and efficiency have been very good and because he burns a high percentage and makes good decisions, he has the green light to go. He is one of the best hunters. As long as he keeps understanding the game and the efficiency part of it, he has to let go – let him fly.
Listen to full Kerr reporter from Wednesday through SoundCloud Warriors.
With Steph Curry about to lose more time due to his tail fouling pollution, the Warriors must continue to count on Poole as a catalyst in Kerr’s offense.