No Stephen Curry? No problem for the Golden State Warriors. After all, they still have Jordan Poole!
On Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans, Poole added another chapter to his growing list of highlight plays with a clutch layup. With a little over 20 seconds remaining and the Pels ahead 122-121, the second-year guard took matters into his own hands and attacked the basket with ferocity to bank the game-winner.
It didn't come easy, with the Pelicans aware of Poole's clutch genes. However, knowing was not enough for New Orleans to stop the dagger to their heart.
Jordan Poole for the win without Steph âźď¸
(via @NBCSWarriors)pic.twitter.com/7EjD1HdKMR
â FanDuel (@FanDuel) May 15, 2021
The Warriors eventually came out with the 125-122 win, improving their record to 38-33 and setting up a crucial showdown with the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday for the eighth seed in the Western Conference. The Grizz also won their game against the Sacramento Kings to maintain the fight until the final day of the regular season.
As mentioned, Stephen Curry didn't play in the contest after the Warriors decided to rest him in preparation of the match with the Grizzlies and the play-in tournament. Alongside Curry, Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green also rested against the Pelicans.
Golden State certainly knows how to make things interesting, and their win should only make the end of the regular season more dramatic. Do they want to face the Los Angeles Lakers in the play-in tournament or will they want to drop to ninth and take the longer but easier road?
Regardless, the Warriors will be happy with Jordan Poole's growth as a clutch performer. Recently, Poole channeled his inner Curry with a buzzer-beating three from halfcourt. Now that is some immense growth!