After all, it was a grinding recovery for the star guard, leading to their 143-120 home victory on Thursday against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Jordan Poole
Jordan Poole
Jordan Poole
MIN: 29.78
PTS: 17.88 (50.33%)
REB: 1.63
As: 3.38
ST: 0.38
BL: 0.38
TO: 2
GM: 8
"I hated it. I didn’t like it at all, but there was nothing I could do about it," Poole said about his injury after a 22-point performance off the bench. "I played injured during the first seven games, so it’s just good to be back out there. You can’t control an injury, but you can do everything possible to return, and that’s what I’ve done.
"Now, we have to find ways to stay healthy throughout this long season, take care of our bodies, and try to contribute to some wins."
After playing seven games to start the season, Poole became inactive for the Pelicans since Nov. 4 after he sustained a left quad strain.
As a result, he missed the next 16 games. His absence significantly impacted the team's progress, as New Orleans now holds the worst record in the league at 4-22.
"It was the first time in my career that I missed that many games," Poole said. "I don’t like it at all, but I’m back."
As Poole finally returned, the Pelicans can only be optimistic about turning their season around and kick-starting a winning run.