Michael Porter Jr. has had a bit of a rocky season. Despite his sky-high potential, the Missouri product has struggled to come by meaningful minutes all season long. On top of this, he also has come under fire for controversial remarks and comments among the Covid19 pandemic. However, in the Denver Nuggets’ win over division rival Oklahoma City, Michael Porter finally got an opportunity and made the most of it. Not only did he remind the NBA world what he is made of, but he also became the first Denver Nuggets player since Carmelo Anthony to score 20 points in a first-half as a rookie.
Michael Porter Shows Out Against the Thunder
Michael Porter’s Insane Potential
Before this game, MPJ has proven he is capable of succeeding in this league in a few key categories. His per 36 minutes statistics are off the charts. As of August 3, 2020, Porter was tallying 19.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and a steal per 36 minutes. As one can see, these are extremely solid numbers, especially with a rookie who gets limited playing time. On top of this, MPJ is also averaging an offensive rating of 113 to go along with a true shooting percentage of 58.5 percent and a total rebounding percentage of 16.0 percent. With more run time, it is unimaginable to think of what MPJ could do, as we saw a glimpse of in the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
MPJ’s Game Vs. OKC
In the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Nuggets were short-handed. They were without three starters in Gary Harris, Jamal Murray, and Will Barton. As a result, Porter was inserted into the starting rotation. The rookie got 43 minutes of action in the thrilling overtime win. Nuggets’ star Nikola Jokic did what he did best and took over the overtime period, but the star of the game was MPJ. Porter ended the game with a total of 37 points, 75.0 percent shooting on just 16 shots, 66.7 percent from three-point territory, 12 rebounds, one steal, and a box plus/minus of 25. This performance helped Jokic come through in crunch time like he always does as it forced the Thunder’s defense to divert their attention on not just one, but two deadly offensive weapons.
Going Forward
If this game is any indication going forward, the Nuggets may have finally found their third star for the future. The Nuggets already have their star duo in Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray (who looks to be on his way to his first All-Star Game next season or the season after if he continues to improve). If Porter is to develop and hit his ceiling, the Nuggets will have a future big-three on their hands. As a result, Denver will have even higher title odds than they possess now. Porter’s back seems to have healed nicely which is a big plus for the Nuggets’ big picture for the future. As far as the rest of the NBA is concerned, Porter’s 37 point output could have just been the beginning of Mile High Basketball taking over the league.
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