DENVER — Michael Porter Jr. has been concentrating on honing his shooting skills, brushing aside the rumors regarding potential trades. He has improved his gameplay significantly, as demonstrated in a recent match where he matched his career high by scoring 39 points in the Denver Nuggets’ 144-119 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. This impressive feat followed an equally remarkable performance just two days earlier, where he netted 36 points against the same team.
With trade speculation intensifying as the deadline approaches, Porter took comfort in the assurance from his head coach, Michael Malone, who stated, “We’re not trading Michael Porter.” Porter reflected on this support, stating, “I can’t control whether I get traded or not, so that was never something I was stressed about. But it is nice to be somewhere where you’re wanted, and to know that your coach is saying that.” He acknowledged the demands of the league, noting that success was crucial, but he appreciated the reassurance of being valued by his team.
In his dominant game, Porter showcased his shooting prowess, finishing with 16 baskets out of 23 attempts, including hitting five shots from beyond the arc. His teammates facilitated opportunities for him to surpass his personal record, but unfortunately, his last shot fell short of the mark. The Nuggets have an impressive record of 15 wins against just two losses when Porter scores 30 points or more.
Coach Malone praised Porter for more than just his scoring ability, noting that his contributions went beyond impressive numbers. “It wasn’t just the 39 and the pretty jump shot. It was the rebounding. It was the defense. It was the activity and the playmaking as well. So hats off to Michael for just impacting the game across the board,” Malone commented, emphasizing Porter’s all-around performance.
In the world of the NBA, trades are commonplace, with this season already showcasing significant moves. Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic shared insights on the nature of these trade discussions, advising teammates who might face an uncertain future. “Don’t take it personally. It’s a business. It’s a job,” Jokic explained. “You’re going to another team to play basketball. It can happen. That doesn’t mean that you’re a bad player, or a good player. I think just maybe the team wants to change the energy. It’s a normal thing to happen in the NBA.”
Michael Porter Jr. was selected as the 14th pick in the 2018 NBA draft, largely due to a back injury that impacted his college experience at Missouri. After undergoing a back surgery in July 2018, he sat out his entire first season with the Nuggets. In 2021, he secured a five-year maximum contract extension with the team. Throughout his career, Porter has maintained a noteworthy shooting percentage of 41% from three-point range.
