The Denver Nuggets are preparing for a first-round matchup with their Northwest Division rivals, the Portland Trail Blazers. While Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets will certainly feel the absence of star guard Jamal Murray, they'll be looking to another player to step up and complement the Joker on both ends of the floor.

Head coach Michael Milone recently spoke about how Michael Porter Jr is going to be key to his team during their hopeful playoff run, via AP news.

“Michael's going to be ultra important for us on both ends of the floor. He's got to be that second scoring option for us,” said the Nuggets coach.

“He was really important for our postseason run last year and I have no doubt that he's up for the challenge this year.”

Last season in Orlando, it was Murray who emerged as a breakout star as Denver made a miraculous run all the way to the Western Conference Finals. Malone is clearly hoping Porter Jr can do similar things this time around.

The former Missouri standout missed his rookie season back in 2018/19 due to a back injury, but he's thrived this season. The 22-year-old is averaging 19 points and 7.3 rebounds per game and has been a vital piece of the Nuggets with Murray sidelined.

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Going up against a Blazers team who have various offensive weapons and playoff experience, led by Damian Lillard, Denver is going to have to bring their best each and every night. While their backcourt hasn't been very healthy as of late, Jokic and Porter Jr will be relied upon to do the majority of the scoring. He seems up for the task, though.

“I have more responsibility on my shoulders and I'm welcoming it,” Porter said. “I'm embracing it. It's where I wanted to be, progressing, taking a jump.”

Confidence is key and Michael Porter Jr seems to have a lot of it right now. If the Nuggets are to have any chance at advancing, he'll need to continue to play at a high level.