This week, Jordan Poole and the New Orleans Pelicans hosted the Houston Rockets for a preseason game.
Poole is not typically known for defensive highlights, but the 2022 NBA Champion had a block on Kevin Durant that got a lot of views on social media.
Poole Stuns Durant With Block:
Via NBA on ESPN: “Jordan Poole got up to block KD’s 3-point shot 😦 (SWIPE) (via @pelicansnba)”
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Poole finished the 130-128 loss with ten points, two rebounds, three assists (and the one block) in 21 minutes of playing time.
Via @ProPelsTalk: “Best defensive sequence of the night. Herb Jones initially blows up the set on KD. Jordan Poole does a nice job of weak side help and then Herb Jones rotates corner, deflects the pass as Poole completes the ‘X’ out and somehow blocks a Kevin Durant 3 point attempt?”
Poole is going into his first season as a member of the Pelicans.
He had spent the last two seasons playing for the Washington Wizards.
This past year, the former Michigan star had averages of 20.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.3 steals per contest while shooting 43.2% from the field and 37.8% from the three-point range in 68 games.
Via StatMuse: “New Orleans Pelicans: — Jordan Poole — Trey Murphy III — Herb Jones — Zion Williamson — Yves Missi — Kevon Looney — Jordan Hawkins — Saddiq Bey — Jeremiah Fears — Derik Queen — Jose Alvarado How many wins for NOLA this season?”
The Pelicans will play their first game of the 2025-26 season when they visit the Memphis Grizzlies on October 22.
They have one more preseason game (on Friday) against the Orlando Magic in Florida.
As for Durant, he is also in his first season with a new team.
The 2014 MVP had been with the Phoenix Suns for part of three years before a trade sent him to Houston over the offseason.
The Rockets will play their first game on October 21 when they visit the Oklahoma City Thunder.
They will play the Atlanta Hawks for their final preseason game (on Thursday) in Georgia.
