Former Wolverine Helps Make NBA Playoff History

In just his third season in the league, former Michigan Wolverine, Jordan Poole, has established himself as one of the top young talents in the NBA.

Poole received his fair share of criticism for his decision to enter the NBA draft back in 2019, with many believing he needed another year of college ball to prepare for the next level. As it turns out, those folks were wrong.

The amount of young talent in the league 😳 📈 pic.twitter.com/pxWwP5Urag
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 17, 2022

Following his performance on Saturday night during round one of the NBA Playoffs against the Denver Nuggets, Poole poured in 30 points - making it the first time in NBA Playoff history that four players age 22 or younger scored 30+ points. Poole joined Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies and Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers as the four players under the age of 22 with 30+ points in a playoff game this season.

Poole's production has steadily increased each year in the league, increasing his PPG average from 8.8 in year one to 18.5 in year two. With the former Wolverine currently playing at an elite level, some interesting comparisons are beginning to emerge:

Jordan Poole was in the G-League last season.

Tonight he had 30 points in his playoff debut. Only Wilt had more in Warriors history. pic.twitter.com/K5yTXr9FLU
— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 17, 2022

Stephen Curry in his first career playoff win:
- 30 points
- Double-digit win
- 55%+ FG%
- 4+ 3s
- Against the Denver Nuggets

Jordan Poole in his first career playoff win:
- 30 points
- Double-digit win
- 55%+ FG%
- 4+ 3s
- Against the Denver Nuggets pic.twitter.com/NnTVOXp1Ie
— WarriorsMuse (@WarriorsMuse) April 17, 2022

You can catch Poole and the Warriors taking on the Nuggets tomorrow night. Tip time for Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is 10:00 pm EST at Chase Center.