Poole says he ‘never lost confidence' during G League stint

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Jordan Poole has looked like a new player since returning from the G League bubble in Orlando. Or he has looked like the same player, depending how you frame it.

Poole kept up his recent hot streak with a 25-point performance in Friday’s 116-103 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. He even drew Michael Jordan comparisons from Kelenna Azubuike for a fancy layup.

After the game, Poole told reporters that he has remained confident despite his early-season struggles and month-long assignment in the developmental G League.

“I never lost confidence,” Poole said. “Whether it’s in high school or college or the pros, it’s just part of who I am as a player always, just given the opportunity.”

Poole has maintained his same pace and production with Golden State that he flashed with the Santa Cruz Warriors in the G League. In that respect, he’s just the same player. Only he balled out against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night instead of the Fort Wayne Mad Ants or Erie BayHawks. 

In his six games back with the Warriors since returning from the Sea Dubs, Poole is averaging 20.2 points per game while shooting a blistering 56.4 percent from the field and 46.5 percent from 3-point range.

In 15 contests before his reassignment, Poole averaged 5.5 points per game with a 42.6 field goal percentage and 33.3 3-point field goal percentage.

RELATED: Wiggins drops career-high 40 points vs. Grizzlies

“When you have a coach who trusts you to put you out there, especially as a young player, you have to take advantage of it and make the most of the opportunity,” Poole said. “That’s what I’m trying to do right now.”

Poole made his first start of the season in place of an injured Steph Curry, who is “very doubtful” to play in Saturday’s second leg of a back-to-back against Memphis. Poole should be slotted in the starting five once again, but expect Draymond Green to be the team’s main facilitator after he doled out 13 assists on Friday night.

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