Amidst Jordan Poole’s frustrating playoff run at ROCK BOTTOM, the Warriors’ guard shows reluctance to face the media
The struggles of Jordan Poole and the Golden State Warriors in the playoffs prompt tension and criticism
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Jordan Poole (image via GARY A. VASQUEZ-USA TODAY SPORTS)
The Golden State Warriors are in a difficult position after losing Game 4 of their playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, putting them in a 3-1 hole. While Stephen Curry had a strong performance with a triple-double of 31 points, ten rebounds, and 14 assists, the team struggled. However, the poor performance of Jordan Poole is the one that caught all the spotlight.
Poole, who was a key player off the bench during the team’s title run last season, has struggled in the playoffs this year, shooting 34.2% from the field and 27.8% from beyond the arc in 11 postseason games. In Game 4, he went 0-for-4 from the field and went scoreless in just 10 minutes, reportedly leading to frustration and tension in the locker room after the game.
NBC Sports’ Kerith Burke provided insight into the tense postgame locker room atmosphere, reporting that all eyes and ears were on Poole when the music went off, and he appeared frustrated and upset. Despite initially being reluctant to talk to the media, Poole did eventually speak to the press, and his teammates noticed his short and frustrated answers.
“The visitors locker room is really cramped, so when that music went off, all of the other players were listening as well,” said Burke. “… It was like all eyes and ears were on Jordan right there, and it just heightened the tension. … I was like, ‘Jordan, we know your work ethic is good. When you feel like you’re in a little bit of a funk — when things don’t seem normal, what’re you doing? Are you getting back in the gym?’ And he said, ‘Well, my work ethic doesn’t change. My routine doesn’t change. Maybe opportunity changes, but you can only control what you can control.’ So, the frustration very clear coming through from Jordan Poole.”
Burke’s report shed light on the pressure and tension that Poole and the Warriors are facing as they try to overcome their playoff struggles and stay alive in the series. As the team prepares for Game 5, they will need to rally together and find a way to turn things around.
Related: Stephen Curry finally BREAKS SILENCE about Jordan Poole’s horrific form
Stephen A. Smith calls out Jordan Poole’s lackluster playoff performance
Stephen A. Smith, the outspoken host of ESPN’s “First Take,” is renowned for his provocative commentary and capacity for drawing large audiences. Jordan Poole of the Golden State Warriors has recently been under fire from Smith while the NBA playoffs are currently in full swing.
“Jordan Poole, last time I checked he gets a check,” Stephen A. began. “Last time I checked he wears a Golden State uniform just like the rest of the team. Last time I checked he’s on the team bus, he gets into the team hotels, gets that per diem, he gets those meals, he got a salary, $140 million contract. He got his bag. Where the hell he been?”
Poole struggled in Game 4 and only appeared for 10 minutes off the bench without contributing any points. This led Smith to question the young player’s value to the team on Twitter. “Where the hell has he been?” Smith questioned, pointing out that Poole gets paid a salary and other perks for being a part of the team.
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Vivek Yadav
(624 Articles Published)