Poole shines as Warriors smoke Nuggets

Golden State smashes game 1 with a dominant all-around showing

Apr 17, 2022

QThe Golden State Warriors got a big night from Jordan Poole (30 points on 13 shots) and Draymond Green/Kevon Looney shut down Nikola Jokic as the chase for another title tore out of the starting gate.

Stephen Curry was still hampered by the lower leg injury that has sidelined him recently, but his disruptive presence was still a benefit.

This was one of those games where everyone played well, and it showed as the Warriors stretched out to a 20 point lead on the 4th quarter.

Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater

Warriors crisp in Game 1 rout of the Nuggets. Jordan Poole scores 30 on 13 shots. Draymond Green everywhere as screener/defender/passer plus 12 points. Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins did their job. Steph Curry scores 16 in 22 bench minutes as he eases back. Game 2 on Monday.

There was plenty to like out there tonight and you can bet Denver coach MikeMalone is going to have a good long look at the tape with his assistants.

Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater

Warriors held Nikola Jokic to 25 points on 25 shots in Game 1. Only two free throw attempts. Missed all four of his 3s. Ten rebounds. Six assists. Mostly let Looney and Draymond operate against him individually. Sent some late doubles. Nice overall defensive performance.

Golden State seemed to be better at every position, and with Curry coming in with the bench units (at his request, so he can close quarters) it was tough for Demver to maintain contact.