Klay Thompson’s return for the Golden State Warriors has provided them quite the boost, even though he hasn’t gotten back to his very best since returning from injury yet. Thompson can be unstoppable when he gets it going, his ability to make big plays and step up is second to none. However, after over 2 years out of the team, other players have stepped into some of what would be his role.
One of those players is Jordan Poole, who has emerged as an incredible scorer, especially during the playoffs. Having scored more than any other player on a couple of occasions already, Poole has established himself as one of the main scoring options on offense.
And while this is good for the Warriors and has been crucial to them winning games, it can lead to some frustration for stars like Klay from time to time. And takes from the likes of Kendrick Perkins about the Warriors choosing Poole over Klay after this season are surely not helping.
There was a point during Game 3 against the Grizzlies, where Klay was visibly upset with Poole for not getting the ball to him when he wanted it. Poole chose to pass the ball to another player instead, and Thompson’s reaction was caught on camera.
This doesn’t mean much in the grand scheme of things, the Warriors won comfortably and every player can’t always be involved. But it is a testament to the confidence the team has in the youngster, that he is allowed to make these decisions during big games in the playoffs.
And Thompson defended Poole after the game too, putting to rest any speculation about their relationship that may arise from this. He called out Dillon Brooks while saying that Poole did nothing malicious when he accidentally grabbed Morant’s knee. Considering that the young guard is averaging nearly 23 points per game in the playoffs, his stock will likely only go higher.
