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Golden State Warriors find a trailblazing blueprint for upcoming season

By Keith Watkins

Jan 20, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after guard Jordan Poole (3) scores a three point basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after guard Jordan Poole (3) scores a three point basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Steph Curry and Jordan Poole backcourt is a legit backcourt duo

From the moment Jordan Poole was announced at shooting guard for the Warriors in Monday night’s game, the 7:30 p.m. PT start time couldn’t come soon enough for all of Dub Nation. The usual preseason optimism was bubbling as the minutes ticked down to tip-off in Portland.

Even the most ardent Jordan Poole fans couldn’t have envisioned the showcase he was about to put on in the preseason opener. It didn’t take long to confirm that the idea of a Curry and Poole backcourt is indeed legitimate – and that the duo will hold up just fine until Klay Thompson returns.

Warriors’ fans will be hoping that Monday night was a precursor for the season that awaits. The Curry Poole combination showed enough to get a sense that they will terrorize opposing defenses on a regular basis this season.

In 22 minutes of action, Poole put up 30 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, whilst knocking down 7 threes, many of which came from way beyond the arc. The highlight was the buzzer-beater that he drained from the logo, ending the first quarter in an emphatic fashion.

However, it wasn’t just Poole’s three-point shooting that impressed. There was a level of confidence and craftiness that characterized his display. Poole wasn’t shy of being assertive and utilizing his speed when the opportunity presented itself.

Most notably in the third quarter, Poole had Jusuf Nurkic on an island – rather than settle for a three, Poole used his burst of pace to accelerate right past the Bosnian giant. Once inside, Poole possessed the poise and balance to finish at the rim through contact.

Alongside him in the backcourt, the two-time MVP was shaking off some preseason rust early, but came alive in the third quarter.

The Warriors trailed 69-66 when Steve Kerr called for a timeout. In typical fashion, a ‘Curry-flurry’ of eight quick points in 30 seconds ignited an energy-induced 34-16 Warriors run to round out the third quarter. The Warriors took a 100-85 lead into the final break and never looked back.

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