As the Warriors Postgame Live crew asked Steph Curry about Jordan Poole after the Warriors routed the Denver Nuggets 126-106 in Game 2 on Monday to take a 2-0 lead in the first round series, Poole crashed Curry’s courtside interview before he could answer.
“His ears were burning over there,” Curry joked.
It was symbolic of how the 22-year-old has emerged and forced his way into the discussion as a key piece for the Warriors as they eye a deep playoff run.
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Poole started in Game 2 as Curry -- returning from injury -- again came off the bench, and the young guard had another postseason gem with 29 points, eight assists, five rebounds, two steals and 5-of-10 shooting on 3-pointers.
“It’s just amazing, just in terms of his confidence, his ability to create, make tough shots, make open shots, make plays for other people,” Curry said. “And feed off that energy. And it gives us a different look.”
Curry had 34 points himself off the bench, and he’s playing off Poole nicely. The three-guard lineup of Curry, Poole and Klay Thompson torched the Nuggets, going on a 22-6 run to close the first half and start the second half. It turned a six-point halftime lead into an easy-going blowout for most of the second half as the Warriors cruised to a 2-0 series advantage.
Poole’s Game 2 performance followed a breakout 30-point outing in Game 1. Poole’s playoff success isn’t necessarily a surprise, though, given that he’s excelled all season, filling in at both the starting lineup and off the bench to be that X-factor for the Warriors.
Now, JP is fully in the national spotlight.
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Curry, who is used to playing with Thompson and Draymond Green in big playoff moments, now has another tool in Poole to add to the equation.
“You add JP to the mix, it just adds one more element and one more variable that they have to worry about,” Curry said. “Obviously, if he’s playing aggressive and decisive, taking care of the ball, good things happen – especially with the spacing that we have and the ability to create good offense.”
Curry will probably work his way back into the starting lineup at some point, and when that happens, coach Steve Kerr will have to make a decision with Poole.
But wherever Poole is slotted in the rotation, he’s more than established himself as a pivotal part of the team this postseason and beyond.