Michael Porter, Jr. looks to build off of best all-around performance to date
The biggest question mark heading into the season for a Denver Nuggets team that returned a nearly identical roster to the previous year was what kind of a role Michael Porter, Jr. would play. If he reaches his immense potential, the Nuggets could be launched into the discussion of the best team in the league. If he struggles to make an impact, the team will likely end up in a similar position as last year, with a strong, but not-quite-strong-enough roster.
So far this season, every glimpse of what Porter, Jr. might bring to the table offensively, or through his length and athleticism was followed quickly by a defensive lapse, or positional miscue that negated any positive contribution he may have made. That all changed on Saturday and hopefully is a sign of what’s to come for the rest of the season.
Porter, Jr.’s nose for gobbling up rebounds (4) and scoring (11 points) were on display in his season-high 19 minutes yet again, but it was the rest of his box-score that left everyone excited for what may be to come. The scoring was efficient, with the 11 points coming on 4-7 shooting from the field and 3-5 from beyond the arc and the rest of his numbers show how he was able to contribute across the board with two steals, one block and only one turnover leading to a +7 rating that was tied for second on the team, behind only Jokic’s game-high +23.
When Michael Porter Jr. was on the floor tonight for the Nuggets, he posted a 121 offensive rating, 100 defensive rating and a +21 net rating in 19 minutes.
— T.J. McBride (@TJMcBrideNBA) December 29, 2019
Not only did he stack stats, but his play directly led to improved play by the Nuggets.
With the Nuggets starters having logged heavy minutes in yesterday afternoon’s game, another step forward from Porter would go a long way towards improving Denver’s prospects as the season goes forward.
Another trend Denver Nuggets would like to see continue is the team’s ability to limit the oppositions bests scorers. In the case of the Sacramento Kings, that would be the prolific Buddy Hield.