Not long ago, Jordan Poole was one of the Warriors' biggest question marks as he struggled to find consistency while dealing with his fluctuating role.
Those issues seem to be behind Poole now. Over his last five games, the 22-year-old guard is averaging 23.8 points per game while shooting 61.1 percent from the field and 58.9 percent from 3-point range. But Poole's scoring isn't what should give the Warriors confidence that he's ready for the bright lights ahead.
During his recent hot stretch, Poole has made several big shots, including two Thursday night in the Warriors' 113-102 win over the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena.
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With the Warriors leading by two with under a minute remaining, Steph Curry drew two Nuggets defenders off a screen at the top of the key and found Poole wide open on the wing for a 3-pointer that put Golden State up by five with 53.6 seconds remaining.
Then, on the next Warriors possession, Andrew Wiggins found Poole in the corner for another 3-pointer, this one proving to be the final nail in Denver's coffin.
Poole having the confidence to take and make big shots like that against a potential playoff opponent is a good sign as the Warriors head toward the postseason.
"I had just made one, and I was wide open," Poole told 95.7 The Game in his postgame interview when asked about taking the shot from the right corner instead of running down the clock 14 more seconds. "You've kind of got to take that. I mean, it's definitely a ballsy shot, but you've got to be ready for the moment, right?"
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After fighting through a slump in February, Poole has heated up in March and been boosted by Warriors coach Steve Kerr's decision to give him more minutes alongside Curry and Klay Thompson. That lineup gives the Warriors three dynamic scorers who can stretch the floor and force defenders to "pick their poison" when deciding who to help off.
"I feel like we feed off of each other really well," Poole said. "All three of us. … It’s kind of a lot to juggle for the defense."
The Warriors still have problems with 15 games remaining until the playoffs begin. But it's a good sign that Poole has emerged from his slump and appears ready to answer the call when the big moments arrive. He did Thursday, and helped deliver the Warriors' first winning streak in a month.
"I thought this was one of the best games Jordan has played, and he's strung together four or five good ones in a row now," Kerr said after the win. "He's really coming into his own."
And it couldn't have come at a better time for the Warriors.