NBA WESTERN CONFERENCE FIRST ROUND: NUGGETS VS WARRIORS

April 18, 2022

Jordan Poole

Golden State Warriors

Game 2: Postgame

Golden State Warriors 126, Denver Nuggets 106

Q. Draymond told us you've been watching Steph a lot and doing your best impression. When you have one of the greatest shooters of all time alongside you, what are some things you observed that you want to fold into your game?

JORDAN POOLE: Just the way that he gets his looks throughout our offense, sometimes individually. I mean, he's really good at creating space and dominating mismatches and his off-ball movement. I'm lucky to be able to watch him every single day and watch him in film and kind of add those aspects to my game.

Q. Are there ways that you and Steph are different?

JORDAN POOLE: I'm sure some things probably, for sure.

Q. What is it you like, when you watch Steph he's game, what is it you like about how he manages his way to the basket? We know he can shoot, but talking about his dribble penetration, what impresses you about it?

JORDAN POOLE: He knows that defenders have to respect his shot, his jumpshot. He does a really good job of changing places and going from high to low, and the way that he moves in his left. Just kind of manipulating the defense to kind of get to his spots is something I try to add to my game.

Q. Do the coaches like show you Steph film or is that something you started seeking out on your own, just studying him on your own?

JORDAN POOLE: Personally.

Q. Coming out of college, you were build as a catch-and-shoot guy but obviously it's clear you're a lot more than that. Have all these other aspects of your game always been there and you just weren't able to show that much?

JORDAN POOLE: Yeah.

Q. Okay. Jordan, why did you do that to DeMarcus Cousins?

JORDAN POOLE: I just tried to get a look. Got to create a little bit of space. I feel like I had to go in a little bit. Was just able to hit a shot that I practice pretty often.

Q. You and Steph kind of gave them the business tonight, you combined for 63 points, but what's it like knowing the both of you are out there and able to work your magic together at the same time?

JORDAN POOLE: I think it's really hard for the defense just because we are both play-makers, and we can both play on the ball and we can also both play off the ball. I mean, being able to have teammates who are able to screen on the back side and also slip and get their own shots makes it a lot harder for them just to defend because we've got the freedom, and for the offense to kind of move around where we see fit. So kind of just trying to put the defense in a lot of tough situations to make a lot of different decisions.

Q. Draymond said he reads body language and frustration. If he feels he's getting under somebody's skin, he presses a little more and if he doesn't feel he's getting under somebody's skin, he presses a little more. What can you say about learning from the way he goes about his business out there?

JORDAN POOLE: Obviously he was a huge part of our game tonight. He was able to -- he did an amazing job on Jokic. And just being able to have that line of defense back there is outstanding. His energy, we feed off of that, offensively, defensively. And he doesn't only pick us up, but he picks the crowd up as well. When you get it extremely loud, it becomes hard for other teams to have play calls. Just that energy that he plays with, we wouldn't be here without him.

Q. You get fouled on a three-pointer to start the third quarter and you knock it down, you're on the ground, shooting off finger lasers or whatever. Describe what the energy was like for in you that moment in the building.

JORDAN POOLE: It was huge, just try to get a run going as soon as we came in. Just continuing to be aggressive and having the freedom and will just to play our game and put the defense in a lot of tough decisions. We have guys who are just amazing play-makers, team players. And being able to swing the ball how we do and get the open looks that we do is definitely beneficial for us.

Q. What was your reaction not being named among the finalists for MIP?

JORDAN POOLE: We had a game today, so I really was focusing on the scouting report to be honest.

I didn't have one. There wasn't anything to react to.

Q. What is that energy inside Chase Center do for you personally as a player?

JORDAN POOLE: I've always fed off of the energy, especially the home crowd. You know, I'm trying to get everybody in the arena to stand up, get on their feet and scream as loud as they can because I don't think they understand how much that helps us, offensively, defensively, and it really gets us going.

I think Steph and Klay and these guys feed off that energy so much. You see one go in; it could be a long day. So I think that's why home advantage is such a big deal, and we just have to find a way to take care of it on the road.