It’s been a rough few weeks for Michael Porter Jr.
After producing sizzling shooting numbers during the first four months of the season, MPJ’s numbers have completely nosedived during the month of March. Before the All-Star Break, Porter Jr. averaged 19 points per game, on 52-41-74 splits. But his post All-Star Break splits have dipped across the board, and he’s only averaged 16.2 points per game on 44-33-82 splits.
While his free throw percentage has gone up, his efficiency everywhere else has dropped significantly. His lack of offensive production has really hurt a Denver team that needs his shooting more than ever.
In Denver’s 127-117 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night, MPJ finally got it going from the field with absolutely insane efficiency. Porter Jr. scored 23 points on only nine shot attempts and also added 10 rebounds and four assists for good measure.
On a night where Jamal Murray struggled from the field and Aaron Gordon only played 19 minutes, Porter’s performance was one of the big reasons Denver was able to beat the Bucks and maintain their hold on a top-three seed in the Western Conference.
After the game, MPJ was one of the Nuggets who spoke at the post-game podium. Porter Jr. discussed his struggles prior to his game against the Bucks, and his reasoning was slightly unexpected.
The injury bug strikes again
After the game, Michael Porter Jr. was asked about how much he has been affected by a back strain that was listed on the team injury report. He clarified that the injury report was incorrect and that he has actually been more affected by one of his hamstrings, which he said he strained right before the All-Star Break.
Michael Porter Jr. says it’s not his low back that’s hurting him, but his hamstring.
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) March 27, 2025
“Ever since I strained my hamstring before the All-Star break, I haven’t really felt 100%.” pic.twitter.com/1DU9x2C7wf
He also added that he probably could’ve taken more precaution and sat out a few games, but with all of the other injuries to his teammates recently, he felt responsible for playing through the pain. While Michael Porter Jr. isn’t a perfect player, it is quite admirable that he has put the team first while gutting through his own problems.
Cutting MPJ some slack
MPJ has had a lot of pressure on his back this season. The Nuggets need him to live up to his max contract, but he has been extremely inconsistent in the postseason throughout his career as a Nugget. He has been frequently criticized in the past for his bad defense, streakiness as a shooter, being soft, and for being a complete no-show in last year’s Game 7 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. By all accounts these are all fair critiques, especially considering the stakes as Denver doesn't want to waste another season of Nikola Jokic's prime.
In fairness to MPJ, he was enjoying some of his best regular season splits as a Denver Nugget before his injury. While it’s more than fair to question whether or not MPJ deserves a long term spot on this roster, he has done a lot for the franchise, and he deserves one last chance to prove himself this postseason.
After his superb performance against the Bucks, hopefully Porter Jr. can return to his early season form as the Nuggets look to close the regular season strong. The Nuggets are going to need MPJ at full strength as the regular season comes to a close. If he plays up to his ceiling during this year's playoffs he might be able to help propel Denver back to the Finals, and maybe save himself from being traded this summer.