Warriors Overcome Poole’s Career Night
In an emotional night at Chase Center, Jordan Poole returned to face his former team for the first time since being traded to the Wizards last summer. Poole was welcomed back with a tribute video and standing ovation from Warriors fans during player introductions.
“It was great to be back,” Poole said. “Just to see the faces, the people I worked with for the last three years…Yeah it was nice.”
Poole went on to have a career night, scoring 41 points on 15-25 shooting along with 6 rebounds and 8 assists. However, it was not enough as his new Wizards team fell 129-118 to Stephen Curry and the Warriors.
Curry led Golden State with 47 points of his own while Andrew Wiggins chipped in with 27. The Warriors shot 55.1% from the field and 45.5% from three in the high-scoring affair.
Tough Circumstances Around Trade
Poole’s tenure with the Warriors came to an abrupt end shortly after the notorious punch from Draymond Green during an October practice. The situation divided the locker room, and ultimately the Warriors decided to trade Poole after failing to agree to a rookie extension.
“I hate the way Jordan’s run with us had to end,” coach Steve Kerr admitted last week. “That was just unfortunate the way everything played out.”
NBA champion Klay Thompson also acknowledged how instrumental Poole was to the Warriors dynasty over the past few years.
“We would not have won the championship in 2022 without Jordan Poole. He knows my admiration for him is very high,” Thompson said leading up to Poole’s return game.
| Poole’s Stats vs. Warriors | |
|---|---|
| Points | 41 |
| Rebounds | 6 |
| Assists | 8 |
| Steals | 3 |
| Blocks | 0 |
| Turnovers | 3 |
| FG Made | 15 |
| FG Attempts | 25 |
| 3PT Made | 5 |
| 3PT Attempts | 12 |
| FT Made | 6 |
| FT Attempts | 6 |
Offense Clicking Despite Other Injuries
While emotions were high around Poole’s first game back in the Bay, basketball continued on for the 31-12 Warriors. The win was their third straight as the offense seems to be finding its rhythm again.
Stephen Curry is playing like an MVP frontrunner, averaging over 37 points per game since the new year started. Meanwhile Andrew Wiggins has embraced being the Warriors’ clear cut second option.
Golden State continues to navigate injuries outside of the Poole saga as well. Draymond Green remains out with a hip injury but has hopes to return soon. Rising star Jonathan Kuminga, viewed as one of Poole’s potential replacements, also remains out with a sprained foot.
The Warriors hope to continue coming together and have all key contributors healthy for another playoff run this summer. For now, relying on Curry and Thompson has propelled them towards another 50-win season.
New Beginnings For Poole With Wizards
While the Warriors march on, so does Jordan Poole’s new journey with the Wizards. Poole’s fit in Washington has been much better than many anticipated when he was first traded for veteran forward Kyle Kuzma.
Poole has found plenty of playing time and shots while manning the lead guard spot for the Wizards. After a full month to get acclimated, the 23-year old looks ready to continue his ascendance into stardom.
“The points, assists and increased efficiency are indicators that he has adjusted,” said Wizards coach Wes Unseld Jr last week. “We’re starting to see a bit more flow within our system.”
With All-Stars Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis also benefiting from Poole’s playmaking, the future looks bright in the nation’s capital. However, Poole would surely like another crack at his old Warrior team after falling short in his homecoming.
| Wizards Remaining Schedule | |
|---|---|
| @Suns | Sat |
| vs Heat | Mon |
| vs Magic | Wed |
| @Pelicans | Fri |
| @Rockets | Sat |
Perhaps another playoff matchup awaits Poole and the Warriors next summer. It would be must see TV if so, especially with the raw emotions still lingering from this fall’s events. For now though, both franchises will celebrate the holidays and new year hoping for health and hardware in 2023.
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