The Washington Wizards opened the regular season against the Boston Celtics on Thursday night.
Although the Wizards didn’t come out of the matchup with a win, the team did find some small victories along the way. And why some may be wondering how there could be any positives to take away from a 20-point loss at home, hear me out first.
Jordan Poole was given the keys early in the Wizards lineup early after Brian Keefe declared the Michigan product as the team’s primary point guard to stop the year. Many didn’t think the guard deserved the role after his inefficient play last season.
Nonetheless, the guard stayed with his head down in the offseason, and on Thursday, he showed why the first-year head coach displayed so much confidence in him.
Jordan Poole was not bluffing ahead of the season opener
Ahead of the regular season opener, Poole was asked if he saw the team’s first game against the Celtics as an opportunity to prove that he’s still that guy.
The guard proceeded to answer with confidence insisting he knew how good he was and that he was only focused on leading his team to wins on the court. In the first chance to show that, he backed up his confidence off the court with stellar play on the court.
Jordan Poole on if he has something to prove this year, in response to @lockedonwizards pic.twitter.com/VNO5DVRXiX
— Chase Hughes (@chasedcsports) October 22, 2024
Poole finished the matchup against the C’s with 26 points, four assists, and one rebound. Despite the defending champions’ defensive duo of Derrick White and Jrue Holiday in the backcourt, the guard proved to be a handful with 20 first-half points.
On an efficient shooting night (9/17 FG, 6/11 3PT), Poole looks like he could be in line for a monster season in an offense that seems to be built around his skillset. Of course, one game doesn’t translate to the whole season, but if Poole can play like he did in game one on a consistent basis, Washington could have their star guard of the future.
In addition to Poole’s impressive offensive performance, the guard showed off his capability on the defensive end of the floor. With four blocks and one steal on the night, the 25-year-old is showing glimpses of what everyone hopes to be a leap in every aspect of his game.
Only time will tell, but for now, Poole looks like he was not bluffing with his preseason confidence. Nonetheless, his progress will now be monitored by every Wizards fan who gained hope in their future backcourt with Poole and Bub Carrington.