Golden State Warriors: Comparing Poole to 2013 Curry

May 8, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during a post game interview against the San Antonio Spurs in game two of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at the AT&T Center. The Warriors won 100-91. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during a post game interview against the San Antonio Spurs in game two of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at the AT&T Center. The Warriors won 100-91. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s the comparison that many have been bold enough to make. Jordan Poole’s rapid rise to stardom is reminiscent of another Golden State Warriors gunslinger… but how similar is Poole’s playoff debut to Stephen Curry’s?

Jordan Poole’s playoff debut for the Golden State Warriors has been reminiscent of Stephen Curry — but how comparable are the two?

Curry burst onto the scene as an All-Star caliber player in the 2012-13 season, raining down 3-pointers and breaking the single-season record for the first of many times. However, it was the 2013 postseason where Curry really left his mark.

The first playoff series of Curry’s career was… funnily enough, a 3-6 matchup with the Denver Nuggets. Except, the Warriors were the underdogs this time around. The series went to six games but Curry’s 24.3 points per game propelled the Dubs to victory.

Now compare this to Poole’s first playoff series, where he has scored 27+ points in each of his three showings. Poole is averaging 28.7 points on a blistering, almost unfathomable, 66.7% clip from the field.

Poole and Curry have done their damage in similar ways. Dazzling dribble moves that lead to borderline video game 3-point shots. Elite finishes at the rim. And, a knack for drawing defenders before hitting the open man.

The difference here is obvious. Curry not only led the up-and-coming Warriors to a first round upset but went on to battle a championship-tested San Antonio Spurs squad for six games, including a 44-point outing in Game 1.

Poole will never have the benefit of saying he “led” a team of rising stars against higher-quality opponents. And, he has a ways to go before solidifying himself as Curry 2.0 as it has only been three games of greatness thus far.

He doesn’t have the same level of mastery as Curry and his decision-making will continue to be tested as the Warriors face more capable defenders. Don’t forget, Aaron Gordon has been the one drawing the matchup for Poole so far.

Nevertheless, Poole has been flashing this potential since last season. Many assumed he would break out as a Sixth Man but few could have guessed he would be drawing comparisons to Curry at this stage.

Is this the start of another dynasty in the Bay? It’s too early to tell but Poole’s ascension is something to keep an eye on.