Game Thread: Warriors take on Wizards as Curry returns from injury

The Golden State Warriors are off to a 5-1 start, leveraging a great combination of new, complementary veterans and a youth movement brought in to play basketball under coach Steve Kerr's vision.

But they were without their face of the franchise most of the time, the greatest player in the world, Stephen Curry. The Unanimous Man has been out with an ankle injury, but returns to the East Coast tonight to take on the man who was supposed to be his protégé: Jordan Poole.

Golden State Warriors and Washington Wizards

When: November 4, 2024 | 4:15 p.m. PT

TV: NBC Sports Bay Area

Radio: 95.7 The Game

Imagine, if you will, a brotherly bond born on the hardwood where laughter and lessons went hand in hand. The relationship between Poole and Curry during their time with the Warriors is best described as a combination of playful mentorship and hard teaching.

Steph was the established superstar – the face of the franchise and a two-time MVP whose play redefined what was possible with a basketball in his hands. Poole was the young, sometimes erratic apprentice who came into the league full of swagger but lacking the polish and poise that define greatness. As time went on, Poole showed flashes of glory, particularly in the 2021-2022 season when his goals helped the Warriors to another title. His shooting range, skill and confidence were Curry-like, and you could tell he was soaking up everything he could from Steph's style of play and work ethic.

However, not everything went smoothly. As Poole became more confident and took on more responsibility, the competitive tension occasionally increased. There was some tension, particularly as Poole tried to carve out his own place on a team so heavily defined by Curry's presence.

Poole was transferred to Washington, where he built his own legacy away from the Golden Empire. He is currently averaging 22.2 points per game on 46% shooting and 51% from distance. He also gives out 5.4 dimes per game and grabs just under 3 steals per contest. Those are really good numbers and show what type of player he was on some nights in Golden State.

Now we'll see who leads their team to victory tonight, but the fond memory of how Curry and Poole used to terrorize the league together will always be remembered.