Jordan Poole seemed to have no problem carrying over his success in the G League to the Warriors' final game before the NBA All-Star break, pouring in 26 points, including knocking down five of his 10 attempts from 3-point range.
Steph Curry didn't play in that first-half finale down in Phoenix, but after seeing how well Poole played, albeit in a losing effort, the veteran has high hopes for the young guard going into the second-half slate.
"He's gotten better. I think he really took advantage of the time down in Orlando, his confidence is always there but got reps where he can build that confidence into actual production," Curry told reporters Wednesday. "I think that confidence showed in Phoenix. I saw the whole game -- I think he played decisively, took the shots he felt like he could make, played aggressively and just kept it about his business on the court.
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"It's a testament to a young guy going through all different type of scenarios and experiences but staying ready and still feeling like you can get better and taking advantage of every opportunity."
Poole was the G League's second-leading scorer when he and rookie Nico Mannion were recalled to the Warriors on Mar. 1. After failing to solidify a consistent place in the Warriors' rotation over his first season and change, Poole was sent to play with the Santa Cruz Warriors with the idea that the former first-round pick could prove he belonged in the NBA.
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The Warriors will be looking for any and all scoring off the bench after the second unit underwhelmed offensively through the first 37 games of the season. Brad Wanamaker in particular hasn't looked like the same player he was over the past two seasons with the Boston Celtics.
Golden State Warriors
General manager Bob Myers surprised many pundits when he selected Poole 28th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, and the Michigan product has yet to prove the Warriors' front office right in making him a first-round pick.
Now with some added confidence and belief from Curry and his other Warriors teammates, perhaps Poole finally can show the league what he can do and become the consistent scoring threat those within the organization envisioned.