NBA FINALS: CELTICS VS. WARRIORS

June 4, 2022

Jordan Poole

Golden State Warriors

Practice Day

Q. What did you see in Game 1 and what adjustments do you think you're going to need to make for Game 2?

JORDAN POOLE: They are a really good team, really good defensive team. Just find ways to counter their patterns and their rotations. Find ways to continue to be aggressive.

Q. Specifically for defense, is that something that you're going to focus on more maybe to stay in front of your guys and stuff like that?

JORDAN POOLE: I think it's a team effort, going out and continuing to stick to our game plan and continue to play with physicality.

Q. You've been in big games, but how do you prepare for an environment you haven't been in before?

JORDAN POOLE: It's still basketball at the end of the day. We have guys who have been here before. You can just ask them questions. But as soon as the jump ball tips off, everything is the same. You're going out there with the same guys. It's nothing too different.

Q. Is this like a must-win game?

JORDAN POOLE: You definitely want to try to win every game that you can. You're not going to win them all, but we did our study and we did our film. We'll try to get one at home.

Q. How important is it to stay loose while also staying very much focused?

JORDAN POOLE: It's important to have balance. Stay focused, but embracing the moment and having fun and taking full advantage of this opportunity.

Q. Andre is always around you at practice. What's his message for you?

JORDAN POOLE: Just embrace the entire moment. Being able to be in the Finals is an extremely special situation. Asking him questions, getting his insight. Trying to find ways to learn from the film and our team. Just better myself as a player and also trying to get better as a team.

Q. Has he been like your vet from day one since you returned this year?

JORDAN POOLE: Most definitely.

Q. You've dreamt of playing in the NBA Finals. What was it like? Did you have a pinch-me moment?

JORDAN POOLE: Not yet. It's amazing to be here. You know, when you kind of feel like you belong on this stage, it's really just a matter of time. Embracing it. Trying to stay as locked in as possible. Probably reflect after it's all over. But just staying focused and trying to just have fun.

Q. What do the days look like in between? What do you do?

JORDAN POOLE: Personally? Same stuff I normally do. Watch movies. Watch film. Chill. Nap. Play the game. Play some music. Same old, same old.

Q. How long have you been preparing for this moment in your career, and kind of what pressures come with that?

JORDAN POOLE: I think every basketball player who wants to play at the highest level dreams of playing in the NBA Finals. In terms of preparation, just doing what I normally do. You know, it's worked so far to get here. Right people in my corner, great teammates, great vets. Just continue to do what we normally do, play another game at the highest level. Try to keep it as normal as possible.

Q. What sort of rituals do you have?

JORDAN POOLE: Just pregame nap. That's probably it.

Q. You had a great game against Boston in March when they were here and you almost helped steer the comeback. How much can you take from that, that you can have success against this team?

JORDAN POOLE: I feel like every time I step on the court, no matter who we're playing, you have to find your spots, find the openings in their defense, continue to be aggressive and get my teammates going as well and give guys easy looks. But you know, just do it for us in this game and just continue to do what I do.