The Golden State Warriors lost Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals to the Los Angeles Lakers by 30 points on Saturday, and they face a crucial Game 4 on the road on Monday.
They’ve won games like this before, but this is a different Warriors team than the one that reached the NBA Finals in years past, not winning the World Championship.
Fox Sports 1 personality Nick Wright pointed out that, in his opinion, head coach Steve Kerr has five players he trusts – Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins and Kevon Looney – but he wants to play all five players. can not play. At the same time
This is a problem for Golden State because, as he pointed out, reserve guard Jordan Poole has had a poor run in the playoffs.
Jordan Pool in the Playoffs:
Last year: 17.0 PPG, 50.8 FG%, 39.1 3P%, 91.5 FT%, 27.5 MPG
This Year: 11.6 PPG, 35.5 FG%, 28.8 3P%, 75.8 FT%, 22.8 MPG“The Warriors have 5 people that Steve Kerr trusts, and he can’t play them all at the same time against the Lakers.” , @getnickwright pic.twitter.com/RP9vOyy1zT
— First things first (@FTFonFS1) May 8, 2023
Last year, Poole averaged 18.5 points per game in the regular season, and his efficiency was excellent after the season.
He was a major factor in the Warriors winning four championships last June, and was rewarded with a massive contract extension in October.
But throughout this season, especially in the playoffs, his shooting has dropped.
He had 21 points and made six 3-pointers in Game 1 against Los Angeles, but had only six and five points, respectively, in the last two games.
If Golden State sweeps this series even and LeBron moves on from James and crew, Poole will need to step things up and return to the form he showed a year ago when he was on fire.
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