Washington Wizards Jordan Poole Inconsistent at Halftime in Return to Face Golden State Warriors

The Washington Wizards trail the Golden State Warriors at halftime 63-61.

On the last night of the Washington Wizards four-game west coast trip they trail the Golden State Warriors 63-61.

The Wizards are on national television for the first time this season and it is because of guard Jordan Poole's homecoming.

This is Poole's first visit back to the Bay Area and first game against the Warriors since the trade that brought him to Washington.

READ MORE: Poole's Comments on Time at Golden State

He was greeted with all cheers while Golden State played a tribute video to show their appreciation for what Poole did while with the franchise.

Tonight, he has a chance to show the Warriors what they're missing and on the first Wizards possession he showed he was comfortable with a smooth 18-foot jumper.

This was cool. The Warriors aired Jordan Poole's tribute video during starting lineups to welcome him back. pic.twitter.com/T05flpTtBy

— Chase Hughes (@chasedcsports) December 23, 2023

Since then, it has been the Poole that Washington fans have seen all too often this year.

So far, he is 4-11 from the field and 1-6 from three-point range being extremely streaky from the floor and taking questionable shots.

Poole hit some shots down the stretch to make the game closer though, including a three-pointer with time winding down in the half.

He has 14 points total which leads the team.

Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole (13) and forward Deni Avdija (8) and center Daniel Gafford (21) during a time out called against the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center / Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Washington was able to stay in the game, taking advantage of the fact Golden State guard Steph Curry only had three points in the first quarter.

Even though Curry was quiet early, he started heating up in the second quarter to help keep the lead and ended with a team high 17 points.

Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga is also having a great game with 16 points on 85 percent shooting.

Jordan Poole Returns To Golden State

For Washington to come back they will need a better interior presence inside on defense as they've been eaten alive on pick-and-roll lobs by Curry and Golden State guard Brandin Podziemski.

This is Jordan Poole's game to win, the ball will be in his hands and he will have a chance to send Warriors fans home with regrets from the trade.

A well-played second half will be needed for the Wizards to win their second straight game for the first time this year!

---

You can follow Gage Sheets on X @SheetsG23

Follow Inside The Wizards on Facebook

Follow Inside The Wizards on X

Keep up with all Washington Wizards news on the SI.com Washington Wizards team page