This season, the Warriors' performance has been extraordinary. Behind the Warriors' revival, we see the amazing rise of Gary Payton II, the revival of Otto Potter Jr., the enticing future of Jonathan Cumminga and the star-studded play of Andrew Wiggins, but we can't ignore Jordan Poole's priceless treasure.
He wasn't Klay Thompson, but admirably filled the offensive void left by Thompson's absence. Without Poole, the Warriors wouldn't have led the league with a 29-7 record. Against the Heat, Poole scored a game-high 32 points to help the Warriors beat their opponents 115-108. With 1 minute and 43 seconds left in the game, Poole completed a dunk on the head of Heat center Yutsevin, instantly igniting the enthusiasm of the Warriors' home fans.
It was Poole's second game back after triggering a health and safety deal and his second appearance on the bench this season. Poole was perfectly suited to the role. In the second half, Curry, plagued by fouls, did not fare well on the offensive end, and Poole stepped up from the bench to score 18 points on 7-of-8 shooting, including 2-of-3 from three-point range.
"We need all 32 points for him," coach Kerr said. "Curry's foul problem changed our rotation. What a luxury it is to be able to put a player who starts 28 games on the bench. Poole is already our key player and remains key with all the players back. ”
Especially a person. Klay Thompson, a five-time All-Star-named point guard who is a former pillar of the team, has reached the NBA Finals five times in a row and won three championships.
Two months after starting, it was only Poole's second game as the Warriors' sixth man, and he was perfectly qualified for the role. In this game, Curry scored just nine points on 3-of-17 shooting, while Poole scored 32 points — and five assists — and the efficiency of 12 of 17 shooting was even more impressive.
Draymond Green said: "It's great, obviously Poole will be more of a sixth man on the team in the future, but he handles it well. When I played the Jazz, I was a little upset with him, I don't think he played aggressively enough, tonight is completely different. ”
In fact, this is the role of Poole in the future of the Warriors. After Thompson returns, he will be in the Warriors' 6th man role for a long time. The Warriors need Poole's immediate offense, just as they used to need Andre Iguodala's offensive and defensive skills.
"It's just my second game in this role," Poole said. "I just want to work with everyone to help the team win the game."
Kerr admitted to considering having Curry, Thompson and Poole on the floor at the same time, who have some ability to control the ball. It's a headache for any defender.
"I'm sure that's going to happen," Cole said. "It's going to be a great shooting lineup and when Klay comes back we'll look at a lot of different combinations. But (Poole) was great tonight. ”
Poole averaged 17.8 points per game in his third season, making him The Golden State Warriors' third-placed scorer, Curry number one and Andrew Wiggins second. According to records, Thompson averaged 18.4 points per game in his third season.
Poole had always known that he was Thompson's stand-in. Before Thompson returned, Poole found his new role on the Warriors. No matter who makes the team's rotation, Poole is still an outside knife that the Warriors can trust.