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After the Denver Nuggets lost Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals to go down 2-1 to the Los Angeles Clippers, Michael Porter Jr. vented his frustration about not receiving more looks.
“We kept going to [Nikola] Jokic and Jamal [Murray],” Porter Jr. lamented at the time. “They are amazing players but we need to find ways to get others involved.”
The comments by the unproven second-year player were considered selfish, especially within the context of a playoff series.
Denver turned their fortunes around, storming back to win the series in seven games. Porter Jr. averaged 7.3 points per game in the final three games of the second round.
In Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the top-seeded Los Angeles Lakers — a 126-114 Lakers win — Porter Jr. scored 14 points on 3-for-9 shooting, making just one of his six 3-point attempts. However, he added 10 rebounds and four assists.
Despite MPJ's up-and-down play and relatively inconsistent opportunities, Murray had words of praise for the young wing's growth during the bubble playoffs.
“I just think his patience right now,” Murray said on Saturday on what he's been liking about the recent performances of the Nuggets youngster. “He might not touch it every single time on the court, but when he gets a good look we know he's gonna put it up and most likely make it.”
Michael Porter Jr. is primarily known for his scoring, but Jamal Murray also lauded his work in other aspects of the game.
“His rebounding is incredible. He's got a really good nose for the ball, shot blocking's there, so all his instincts are there. Now it's just on the offense part. I think he's gonna be a big factor in this series against the Lakers.”
It remains to be seen if MPJ can be a factor in the West Finals, but the Nuggets and his teammates are certainly hoping so.
