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Klay Thompson participates in a Golden State Warriors practice at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif. on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 before Thursday’s Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors. (Photo by Paul Chinn/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
Getty
Klay Thompson participates in a Golden State Warriors practice at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif. on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 before Thursday’s Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors. (Photo by Paul Chinn/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
The Warriors have begun their 2021 preseason campaign with a 121-107 win against the Portland Trail Blazers. It’s a good start for the Dubs in the absence of one of their Splash Brothers, Klay Thompson. The Warriors didn’t feel odd without their All-Star as young Jordan Poole dropped the game-highest 30 points in the opening game.
Does Klay Thompson have a replacement this preseason?
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After a serious ACL injury, Thompson hasn’t been on the court for almost two years. His return is expected during the upcoming NBA season, however, the Warriors aren’t rushing him to be back. So, until that, the Warriors have found a blessing in 22-YO Poole to make an impact on the offense.
In the game against Blazers, Poole’s 30 points included 7-out-of-13 three-pointers. His shooting was impressive to watch while the remaining Warriors were also dropping shots from all over the field.
Highlights of Jordan Poole’s 30 points in 22 minutes tonight. Seven 3s and some aggressive rim attacks. A few absolute bombs from way behind the line. pic.twitter.com/iT4WYAGXed
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 5, 2021
Jordan Poole, drafted by GSW in the 2019 NBA Draft, has spent two seasons in the league. His rookie year didn’t pay him much recognition, but last season was a year of popularity for Poole. He averaged 12 points while shooting 43.2% from the field, and 35.1% from beyond the arc.
It’s testing times for Jordan Poole
The Warriors shooting guard, Poole, has improved his shooting abilities from the previous season. This adds his resume as a bench player. It’s an opportunity for Poole to step up for the Warriors this season. His shooting efficiency can take the pressure off Steve Kerr for not having Thompson on the roster. And that was witnessed well in the preseason opener itself. Poole started as the shooting guard for the Dubs which speaks a lot about his potential.
Klay Thompson has started training and is getting back in form. It’s good news for the Golden State as their All-star is going to make a comeback, probably by the end of this year. Stephen Curry took the responsibility of the team completely on his shoulders during the 2020-21 season. He was also part of the MVP race as a result of his tremendous run in the regular season.
Now that the new season is on its way, can the Golden State Warriors make it their title season? Let us know in the comments.
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