San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Poole candidate to fill void made by Curry injury
Stephen Curry’s absence has created a gravitational imbalance within the Warriors. To better understand how that might impact the team for at least the next two weeks, just take a look at their recent win over the Nuggets in Denver.
After Curry scored 18 of his game-high 34 points in the third quarter, Denver’s defense was completely keyed on slowing him down, as they threw multiple defenders at him down the stretch.
Curry couldn’t create space or any open looks — at least for himself. With the game on the line, the Nuggets tried to aggressively trap Curry just a step inside midcourt on backto-back possessions. Both times, Curry found a wideopen Jordan Poole, who knocked down a pair of 3pointers to put the game away.
With Curry now set to miss extended time due to a sprained ligament in his left foot, Golden State will not only miss his production as a scorer, but also the opportunities he creates for others. The gravity he creates, the way he stretches the floor by pulling in defenders, significantly benefits his teammates — especially Klay Thompson, who is most effective in catch-and-shoot situations.
No player on the roster can emulate Curry’s impact on the offense. But on paper, Poole is the best option to help fill that gravitational void.
“What Jordan can do is he can play on and off the ball, which is a really key trait in a player,” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said. “It makes a player so much more valuable.
“Every time he’s on the floor, there’s different ways you can attack and different ways you can use him . ... The way Jordan has shot over the last couple of weeks he’s looked a lot like Steph, but there’s a long way to go before we start making that comparison.”
Poole stepping into a larger role offensively in Curry’s absence just makes sense. He’s averaging 24.8 points on 57% shooting from the field and 53% from 3-point range over his past eight games. And in the Warriors’ loss to the Celtics on Wednesday, he once again proved that he can be an alpha on the court when asked.
After Curry exited Wednesday’s game in the second quarter, Poole went off for 19 points in the third quarter after scoring just two points in the first half. He had it going inside and out, knocking down 5 of 6 3point attempts in the period on his way to a game-high 29 points.
“J.P. has stepped up numerous times the season,” rookie Moses Moody said. “You see that he can do it and he’s willing to do it.”
According to Thompson, Poole’s recent success is a testament to his development.
“Jordan has gotten so much better in every aspect of being a basketball player,” Thompson said. “For him to take that leap from sophomore to third-year starter, it’s awesome. It’s a testament to the hard work I’ve seen every day.”
The Warriors desperately need someone who can pressure opposing defenses at all three levels. Poole’s dribble package is among the best on the team, and his effectiveness from the line, at the rim and behind the arc can’t be ignored.
Expectations will be high, but part of the secret to Poole’s success stems from his ability to stay even-keeled in the face of pressure. His only job now is to go out there and play like the All-Star talent Kerr believes he can be.
“That’s really all there is to it,” Poole said. “There’s a lot more important stuff out here going on than regular daily basketball problems you have going on. So I just have to be appreciative and grateful for the situation that I’m in, show my gratitude when I can and just keep pushing.”
Injury updates: Andrew Wiggins and Nemanja Bjelica will play on Sunday against the Spurs at Chase Center after missing recent games because of illness. Gary Payton II (knee) had been targeting a Sunday return but has since been ruled out. Moody, who injured his right shoulder in Wednesday’s loss, is questionable.