The 2022-23 Denver Nuggets as essential holiday dishes

Nov 25, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone (left) and center DeAndre Jordan react in the second half against the LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone (left) and center DeAndre Jordan react in the second half against the LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
3 of 7
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 13: Michael Porter Jr. #1 of the Denver Nuggets blocks a shot from Javonte Green #24 of the Chicago Bulls in the first half on November 13, 2022 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 13: Michael Porter Jr. #1 of the Denver Nuggets blocks a shot from Javonte Green #24 of the Chicago Bulls in the first half on November 13, 2022 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Michael Porter Jr: Green Bean Casserole

Michael Porter Jr. has been managing a lower lumbar and a heel injury much like how we have to manage the milk and mushroom soup we add to the green beans to make a magical casserole in the kitchen.

MPJ has put his apron on and gone to work when healthy, burying the game-winner against the Dallas Mavericks on the road last week and firing up all four burners to cook Chicago for 31 points a week before that. Both performances were on the road, so you know this casserole travels well.

Porter Jr. has the “yeah, Mike” ability to turn a game on its side and get hot from anywhere on the court (or stove). The Nuggets are hoping he can hold together long enough to make it to when things get sweet. For now, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone will continue to have to balance things out with the inconsistent Porter Jr., at least until Mile High Basketball fans sign off on the presentation.