Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole. (Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports)
Jordan Poole stole the show during Game 1 between the Warriors and Nuggets, putting up big stats to join elite company in his playoff debut.
On a night when the Warriors welcomed Steph Curry back from injury, Jordan Poole made sure all the headlines will focus on yet another reason the Western Conference should fear Golden State.
Poole led the Warriors to a 123-107 victory over the Nuggets in Game 1 with 30 points on 5-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc.
The ABC broadcast pointed out that Poole is only the second player to score 30 points while hitting five three-pointers in NBA history, joining Kyrie Irving with the Cavaliers.
That wasn’t the only historic mark he reached.
Jordan Poole entered elite Warriors, NBA company in playoff debut
The only complication with Poole at this point is whether or not he can stay in the starting lineup. He started against Denver with Curry coming off the bench. The future Hall of Famer had 16 points while hitting 3-of-6 three-point attempts in 22 minutes of action.
Golden State picked up Poole late in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft. He played more than 50 games in each of his first two seasons with the team but Warriors didn’t make the playoffs either year.
The 2021-22 season has been a breakout year for the 22-year-old. He started 51 games in the regular season and averaged career highs in points (18.5), rebounds (3.4) and assists (4.0). He is shooting 44.8 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from three-point range.
With Poole playing at this level, the Warriors will be difficult to slow down, especially as Curry gets back into a groove.