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Golden State Warriors’ pressure index glaring on young star

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 27: Jonathan Kuminga #00 and Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after Kuminga scored against the Charlotte Hornets during the fourth quarter at Chase Center on December 27, 2022 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 27: Jonathan Kuminga #00 and Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after Kuminga scored against the Charlotte Hornets during the fourth quarter at Chase Center on December 27, 2022 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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With Golden State Warriors’ superstar Stephen Curry likely to be sidelined over at least the next few games, the pressure and responsibility is set to heighten on his younger prodigy in Jordan Poole.

Even without Curry’s injury, the pressure index was starting to rise on the fourth-year guard. He’s averaged just 13.4 points on 38.9% shooting over the last five games, including an incredibly quiet performance against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday.

Jordan Poole’s importance has now amplified as the Golden State Warriors seek to keep their head above water in the absence of Stephen Curry.

Steve Kerr has confirmed that the 23-year-old will now be thrust back into a starting role, just one game after being demoted back to the bench in place of Kevon Looney. It was hardly a positive response from Poole who had three points, three rebounds, one assist and four turnovers on 1-for-6 shooting in just under 27 minutes. The poor performance had some on social media questioning whether Poole was a fait accompli to replace Curry, particularly given the strong form of Donte DiVincenzo.

Golden State Warriors’ Jordan Poole produced an inconspicuous performance against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors’ Jordan Poole produced an inconspicuous performance against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

The Warriors need a dramatic response from Poole regardless, but it’ll now be even more important as he prepares to go head-to-head with Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The two teams will meet for the second time in a week, with Golden State having won the first matchup 128-120.

Poole is no stranger to assuming the point-guard duties in Curry’s absence already this season. He’s played 15 games without the two-time MVP, averaging an impressive 28.1 points, 2.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists. He’ll have to increase his scoring output to those kind of levels if the Warriors are to maintain their place in the Western Conference standings.

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After being forecast as Golden State’s designated sixth man before the season, Poole has started in 30 games already — both through the team’s injury issues and his lack of production in a bench role. He’ll now have more opportunity once again, and his next 5-10 games may determine the Warriors’ championship hopes in 2023.

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