When the Golden State Warriors opened up their postseason against the Denver Nuggets in Game 1, all eyes were on Stephen Curry’s return to the lineup for a much anticipated Splash Brothers reunion. Thanks to Jordan Poole’s explosion in the first half, the reunion party inside the Chase Center turned into a Poole party on Saturday night.
Chase Center is ROCKIN’ after Poole’s bucket 🌊 pic.twitter.com/w0JwRUn57m
— ESPN (@espn) April 17, 2022
Before the series started, the young guard said he was ready to contribute in any way he could.
“As long as I’m out there being able to make an impact, help our team win, and lead us as far as we can go, I’m excited for it,” Poole said via Bleacher Report. “Whatever opportunity presents itself, I’m going to be ready to step up.”
His Game 1 performance showed that he is a man of his word.
Poole started in Curry’s place and put on an historical performance, scoring 30 points on an efficient 9-13 shooting from the floor, leading the Warriors to an easy 123–107 Game 1 victory. Poole scored the third more points in a playoff debut behind Wilt Chamberlain (35) and Mitch Richmond (30). His five triples were the most for a playoff debut too.
The former first-round pick also became the 35th player in League history to score 30 or more in their first playoff game. Whatever the role, Poole has proved that he can contribute in any role for the Warriors going forward. In the 12 games Curry missed due to his sprained foot, Poole averaged 25.8 points.
Poole is really like that. pic.twitter.com/XFVxxg6yuH
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) April 17, 2022
After the game, Poole was thankful for the support of his teammates via ESPN.
“There’s no better feeling than having the guys behind you who have already been through the fight,” Poole said.
Poole and the Warriors and the Nuggets will go at it for Round 2 on Monday.
