The Golden State Warriors paid Jordan Poole a lot of money in the offseason, meaning he’s a vital part of their future.
As such, it’s only normal to see them trusting him with more and bigger responsibilities along the way, and that includes taking potential game-winning or game-tying shots.
That’s why Steve Kerr didn’t call a timeout and let his team play things out instead, and the outcome wasn’t exactly good.
Poole took a somewhat wild shot from way downtown to try and tie the game vs. the Los Angeles Lakers, and he missed.
"I don't like that shot at all."
Chuck, Shaq and Kenny react to Jordan Poole's missed 3-pointer near end of Lakers-Warriors Game 1 pic.twitter.com/JMwq0FvmWA
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 3, 2023
Needless to say, that shot prompted plenty of mockery, criticism, and debate on social media, with fans either defending him or making fun of him.
No way Poole should pass up an open uncontested 3 with his feet set to drive 2 steps closer into Anthony Davis with Vanderbilt closing quickly from the side. Goodnight.
— Peak Process (@Peak_Process) May 3, 2023
How does the goat shooter not get a shot attempt 2 possessions in a row down 3… bad by Poole, worse by Kerr to not call TO and make sure
— Ryno Fantasy (@RynoFantasy) May 3, 2023
He had just made the same shot on the other side of the court a minute before.
— Brando Simeo Starkey (@BrandoStarkey) May 3, 2023
There was enough time to pass the ball back to Steph or Klay! If you’re not them and you take that shot, you have to make it or else…
— stayhugh6 (@stayhugh6) May 3, 2023
Jodan Poole is closer to Dillon Brooks than he is to Steph Curry lol
— Mayor of LEBRONTO (@tsenggordon1001) May 3, 2023
Truth be told, Poole could’ve and should’ve taken another dribble to get a cleaner look, and he didn’t have to rush either.
But it’s also true that he would’ve inched closer to either Anthony Davis or Jarred Vanderbilt, so he may not have had a chance to pull up.
At the end of the day, it’s a shot he would’ve taken at any point in the contest, so one shouldn’t criticize a player for doing exactly what he gets paid to do.
He had already knocked six triples down and had 21 points, so it’s not like he was struggling from the field by any means.
Still, the Warriors will need to do a better job of getting clean looks in Game 2 after being smothered on the perimeter for most of the game.
NEXT: Jay Williams Calls Out Jordan Poole After Game 1 Loss
