In a thrilling showdown on Saturday night, the New Orleans Pelicans emerged victorious over the Philadelphia 76ers, thanks in large part to a stunning second-half performance by Jordan Poole. Poole's explosive contribution of 20 points after halftime was instrumental in securing the win, showcasing his ability to step up when it mattered most.
While DeAndre Jordan also delivered a noteworthy performance, Poole's resurgence was the real headline. After being sidelined from the rotation for nine consecutive games, Poole returned with a vengeance, tallying 23 points, three rebounds, five assists, and a steal-all without committing a single turnover. His impact was undeniable, as the Pelicans outscored the 76ers by 21 points with him on the floor, marking his highest plus-minus of the season and his first double-digit figure in that category.
Reflecting on his standout game, Poole credited his renewed energy to DeAndre Jordan's presence and the freedom he was given on the court. "I think I was able to get a little bit more flow," Poole said, acknowledging the boost from his teammate.
"Coach kind of let me just play my game. Allowed me to run the unit out there.
Got a little bit of rhythm."
Finding that rhythm has been a challenge for Poole since joining the Pelicans. His journey has been marred by injuries and inconsistent playing time, making it difficult to establish a steady role. Despite these setbacks, Poole has remained committed and ready, embodying the professional attitude any team would covet.
Head coach James Borrego praised Poole's perseverance and performance, saying, "Poole was fantastic tonight. Making shots, decision making, defending, competing.
He has stayed ready. He's been a pro the entire time.
This has not been easy for him, but give him a ton of credit tonight. He was phenomenal."
Poole's breakout game is a testament to his resilience and potential, providing a glimpse of what he can bring to the Pelicans when given the opportunity. As the season progresses, fans will be eager to see if this performance marks the beginning of a new chapter for the dynamic guard.