The stage is set for another epic battle in the NBA playoffs between superstars Stephen Curry and LeBron James, with the Golden State Warriors advancing to the second round of the postseason to face the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Warriors faced an incredibly tough challenge in the first round, with the team taking on a Sacramento Kings team on the rise led by De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
The Kings took the Warriors the distance, but despite a valiant effort, Sacramento could not contain Curry in Game 7 and was sent packing as a result.
Now the Warriors face a resilient Lakers team that has already defied the odds by beating the second-seeded Memphis Grizzlies in six games.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith believes that one player on the Warriors squad that needs to step up in this second-round series is guard Jordan Poole via 95.7 The Game.
Stephen A. Smith says it’s time for Jordan Poole to step up:
“Jordan Poole is who’s alarming me. Last time I checked, he got his bag. He’s getting paid.”
(via @SteinyGuru957)
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) May 1, 2023
Poole did not play well in the first-round showdown with the Kings and it could prove to be a problem in the second round against a tough Lakers team that could look to take advantage of the Warriors’ weakness.
It could be argued that if Poole doesn’t play well in the second round against the Lakers, Golden State’s title defense could come to an end.
One thing that the Lakers have thrived at in this postseason thus far is defense, and they’ll almost certainly pose a problem for the Warriors despite the team’s playoff experience.
This playoff series could go the distance with a high-powered offense going up against a lockdown defense, and Poole’s performance will definitely come into play.
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