Jordan Poole has earned playmaking leeway, but Warriors might be trusting him a little too much

On Sunday, the Golden State Warriors suffered a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves due in part to a critical possession late in the game. With under a minute remaining, the Warriors were up by two points and had possession of the ball, thanks to a clutch play by Jordan Poole. But when Poole was given complete control of the game-deciding possession, while star player Stephen Curry was left in the corner, the decision backfired. Poole opted for a difficult 28-foot step-back shot with 38 seconds left on the clock, which missed, and the Timberwolves eventually won the game. The loss leaves the Warriors in danger of not making the playoffs, a shocking possibility for a team that won a championship less than a year ago.

Jordan Poole, who was a major part of the Warriors’ championship win, is known for making high-risk plays that can be either electrifying or frustrating. His decision to take control of the crucial possession was one such play, and it ultimately cost the team dearly. Despite this, Poole remains an important player for the Warriors, and they will continue to trust him in future games. However, it is unclear whether he should have been given complete control of the possession when Curry, who is known for creating quality plays out of pick-and-roll situations, was left in the corner as a spectator.

The loss to the Timberwolves leaves the Warriors in a precarious position. They now face a crucial game against the New Orleans Pelicans, and if they lose, they may not make the playoffs at all. While Poole is a key player for the team, he may not be the best choice for making critical game-deciding decisions. The team’s reliance on him highlights a potential gap in their strategy, which may need to be addressed if they hope to progress in the playoffs. 

While the loss to the Timberwolves was frustrating for the Warriors and their fans, there are still positives to take away from the game. Poole played exceptionally well, as did Gary Payton II, who has returned to the team recently. The Warriors’ off-ball movement, which is one of their hallmarks, ground to a halt during the critical possession. This points to the importance of teamwork and strategy in basketball, and suggests that the Warriors may need to focus on these aspects if they want to make the playoffs and progress in the postseason.



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