The Denver Nuggets‘ performance this season has been heavily reliant on the dynamic duo of likely NBA MVP Nikola Jokic and clutch shooter Jamal Murray. However, overcoming the Minnesota Timberwolves in what promises to be a challenging second-round playoff series will demand more from the reigning champions. Michael Porter Jr. demonstrated in Saturday’s Game 1 loss that he could be the X-factor for Denver.
Despite a 106-99 defeat in the series opener, relinquishing home-court advantage, the Nuggets remain far from defeated. Murray, nursing a less than ideal health condition, was sidelined from practice all week. Despite this setback, he managed to contribute 17 points, albeit starting slow, being closely marked by Timberwolves’ standout Anthony Edwards.
Though the Timberwolves surged to a 14-point lead early in the game, Porter assumed a pivotal role, supplementing Jokic’s efforts with 13 points. By halftime, the Nuggets held a slim 44-40 lead. Porter, guarded primarily by Jaden McDaniels, who effectively defended Suns’ Devin Booker and Kevin Durant in the previous round, went 4-for-7 from the field in the first half.
“On this team I don’t have the ball in my hands most of the game, so I just have to be aggressive and try to find the ball when I can and be ready to make plays,” Porter said. “And just be aggressive because this is a good defensive team. It’s going to take a collective scoring effort to beat these guys.”
Jokic closed the night as the team’s top scorer with 32 points, while Porter added 20, including four crucial 3-pointers. Porter, the Nuggets’ leading 3-point shooter this season, boasts a 39.7% success rate from beyond the arc. His ability to maintain this accuracy against Minnesota is crucial, given the Timberwolves rank as the league’s sixth-best team in defending the 3-point shot.
During the playoffs, Porter has averaged an impressive 22.3 points per game, shooting 53.9% from the field and an astounding 50% (24 for 48) from 3-point range. These statistics are noteworthy, especially considering Porter’s personal challenges off the court involving his brothers. Nuggets head coach Michael Malone commended Porter’s commitment to the team, praising his resilience.
Porter’s postseason performance significantly exceeds his regular-season average of 16.7 points per game. Murray, still grappling with his injury sustained in Game 4 against the Lakers, has not yet returned to top form, underscoring the need for Porter and other teammates to continue stepping up. With Game 2 scheduled for Monday night in Denver, the Nuggets’ reliance on Porter’s contributions is more crucial than ever.
