Golden State Warriors player that must step up: Jordan Poole
The Warriors got about 26 points per game from Jordan Poole over the last month of the season. On top of his heavy scoring, he was shooting efficiently from the field and keeping the Warriors in third place in the Western Conference while Curry recovered from a foot sprain.
It was a big part of the trust he received from Kerr in the early parts of the playoffs. Poole has played a large role in Golden State’s offense, but in Game 1, he was inefficient and did not look comfortable even when Horford or a Celtics’ big was switched onto him.
Poole ended the game just 2-for-7 from the field and 1-for-5 from deep. He had 2 assists, 2 rebounds, and 4 turnovers to add to that tally as well.
It was far from one of his better games, and he’s a player that is such a dynamic offensive talent that he should figure it out, but against the league’s best defensive team, he must get back to efficient scoring sooner rather than later.
The Warriors are 6-0 when Poole scores more than 20 these playoffs, and he’s certainly capable of getting to that mark against Boston. They’ll certainly need it in Game 2.