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Michigan Basketball: Jordan Poole helps Warriors reach NBA finals

By Chris Peterson

May 26, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole (3) high fives forward Draymond Green (23) after a play against the Dallas Mavericks during the first half of game five of the 2022 western conference finals at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
May 26, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole (3) high fives forward Draymond Green (23) after a play against the Dallas Mavericks during the first half of game five of the 2022 western conference finals at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Former Michigan basketball player Jordan Poole will play in the NBA Finals with the Warriors after Golden State advanced past Dallas. 

Who knew that all it would take for Golden State to get back to the NBA Finals was spending a first-round pick on Jordan Poole?

Just kidding. It was obviously about more than that. However, Poole’s impact on this franchise can’t be denied. He was a critical component of the Warriors’ success and he scored 16 points in the Warriors’ 120-110 win over Dallas to take the West Finals 4-1.

While we have known that a former Michigan basketball player would reach the NBA finals, since there was a Wolverine on each conference finals roster, it became clear early on that Poole was going to be one of them as Golden State dominated Game 1 and never looked back.

For his part, Poole only scored 20 points or more once in the West Finals but he averaged 16.4 points per game and was right on that number Thursday as he scored 16 in the win. He was efficient again as he made 6-of-8 field-goal attempts and all three of his free throws. Poole also hit 1-of-3 triples.

Jordan Poole and his rise with Golden State

Poole has been a key part of Golden State’s resurgence. He had a dominant stretch during the regular season putting together a string of 20-point games while Steph Curry was out with an injury, helping keep Golden State afloat without its star.

Draymond Green, Steph Curry, and Klay Thompson have all returned to form after various injuries and Poole’s shooting, playmaking, and overall skillset have also been critical, as well as clutch shots like the one he hit near the end of Game 3 to help ice a key win.

Duncan Robinson and the Miami Heat will try to reach the finals too. Nik Stauskas is on the Celtics and they lead Miami 3-2 now so either way, Poole will face another former Wolverine.

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But regardless of what happens, it’s been impressive to watch Poole and it’s not bold to say he has been a huge part of the Warriors’ success.

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