Jordan Poole’s rollercoaster season with the Washington Wizards continued in their 108-96 loss to the Boston Celtics in an Emirates NBA Cup game on Friday. Poole showed flashes of his scoring prowess with a game-high 23 points and eight assists, but some of his lowlight moments caught the attention of broadcasters and fans alike.
### **The Lowlights:**
– **Airball Alert:** In one memorable sequence, Poole attempted a contested three-pointer over Xavier Tillman Sr. that missed so badly it ricocheted off the backboard. The Celtics’ announcers couldn’t resist poking fun, with one quipping, *“There might be a chip in the backboard from that one.”*
– **Effort Questioned:** Later in the game, Poole was slow to get back on a fast break after Bub Carrington’s rebound. When Kyle Kuzma missed a three-pointer in transition, the announcer remarked, *“They need to get Poole out of the game. He didn’t even run down on that possession.”*
Despite these moments, Poole’s offensive contributions helped keep the Wizards competitive, with Kyle Kuzma adding 21 points alongside his efforts. The team struggled to contain Boston’s star duo, however, as Jaylen Brown posted 31 points and 11 rebounds, while Jayson Tatum chipped in 16 points despite a rough shooting night from deep (0-for-10).
### **Draymond Green Praises Poole’s Growth:**
While Poole’s tenure in Washington has been marked by ups and downs, former teammate Draymond Green recently acknowledged his adjustment to the new environment. Green, reflecting on Poole’s transition after their rocky history in Golden State, said:
> *“As a competitor, you just want to show everything that you can do… Last year he was pressing a lot. This year he’s a lot more settled in.”*
Poole’s role in Washington is a stark contrast to his time with the Warriors, where he was a spark plug off the bench for a championship contender. In Washington, he’s expected to lead a rebuilding franchise, and these growing pains are a natural part of that process.
### **What’s Next?**
The Wizards continue to lean on Poole and Kuzma to provide offensive firepower as they rebuild. Poole’s return to Golden State on January 18 is shaping up to be a must-watch matchup, not just for his reunion with old teammates but for a chance to showcase his growth against the team where he won a title in 2022.
While consistency remains a challenge, performances like Friday’s remind fans of Poole’s potential as he navigates his new role as a team leader.
