Golden State Warriors were able to step their game up in the second quarter vs Memphis to secure the Game 1 victory in FedExForum. Jordan Poole had a huge role in Warriors’ changing gears in the second half.
While Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson played an important role in the closing minutes, the third-year guard fearless style of play help the Warriors overcome adversity in the scoring front.
Poole led the Warriors with a career-high 31 points off the bench, hitting a playoff-best 5 of 10 3-pointers. He came close to a triple-double with eight rebounds and nine assists as the Warriors took a 1-0 lead in the playoff series.
Steve Kerr said Poole’s ability to change the game as a playmaker and shot-creator did not surprise him Sunday.
“Tonight was the rule rather than the exception” Kerr said on Poole’s performance. “The Jordan we’ve seen the last few months…he’s a playmaker, he’s a shot maker, he has been great for us”.
The Warriors mixed up their lineup, benching Poole in favor of Payton to focus on defending Ja Morant. A crucial lineup change that led the Warriors to a 2-0 record in Game 1 this postseason.
He also revealed he had a talk on putting Poole back in the bench. Kerr admitted it was an easy conversation for every one involved.
“Really easy one” Kerr said. “Stephen Curry came off the bench for 3-4 games in the series against Denver. If Steph Curry can come off the bench, then everyone can come off the bench.”
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