Golden State Warriors: Living with the Good and Bad of Jordan Poole
![SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 25: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after a win against the Memphis Grizzlies at Chase Center on January 25, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 25: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after a win against the Memphis Grizzlies at Chase Center on January 25, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/6ae80eaf44e1b83e107c77b4d526382d07aae54ef269bb864a1c748fed3fdd11.jpg)
It’s exciting. It’s nerve-racking. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions. There’s little doubt of Jordan Poole’s talent — the Golden State Warriors made sure to lock him up with a four-year, $140 million extension in the offseason. Yet by the same token, the fourth-year guard is raising the heart rate of fans, and even his teammates, with a myriad of good and bad, smart and dumb basketball.
The 23-year-old had actually been fairly steady in the 46 minutes of Wednesday’s nationally-televised matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies. He had 19 reasonably efficient points and seven assists, but combined it with three turnovers and the usual sub-standard defense — it wasn’t a noteworthy game on either end of the spectrum till that point.
Jordan Poole’s last 90 seconds against the Memphis Grizzlies almost proved a summation of the season to date for the Golden State Warriors’ guard.
With 1:18 on the clock, Golden State had just secured an offensive rebound while holding a two-point lead. Most would realise the situation — burn some clock, get the ball in your best player’s hands, and find a good look to extend the lead.
Not the confident and often brash Poole though. With Curry literally metres from him, he immediately launched a deep three that ultimately rimmed out. His superstar teammate turned to run back on defense initially, but in doing so ripped his mouthguard out and threw it aggressively — Curry was ejected at the most crucial time.
The best video of the Steph Curry mouthguard toss and ejection via @NBCSWarriors. Clearly upset at the Poole shot choice. pic.twitter.com/AdqNbfnqqn
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 26, 2023
No one can understate the different perspective had the Warriors had went on to lose. But alas, Poole redeemed himself by breaking the tie with a game-winning layup. He walked back to the locker room where Curry was waiting — Poole mocked Curry by throwing his mouthpiece before the pair embraced in a fitting manner.
To be fair, Curry should have held his emotions in check after the ill-advised shot. However, it’s indicative in a way of who Poole is at this point — a lot of good, a lot of bad, and some ugly that’s pushed his teammates over the edge, even the usually level-headed Curry.
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Wednesday night might’ve been NBA history — has any previous player caused their star teammate frustration to the point of ejection, then made a game-winning shot shortly after? That’s Poole though — although the Warriors will need more highs than lows from him for them to repeat as NBA champions, there’s an element of having to live with the inconsistencies of a still very young player.