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Denver Nuggets: Michael Porter Jr.’s keys to continued success

By James Siegle

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 03: Michael Porter Jr. #1 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball against Abdel Nader #11 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 3, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 03: Michael Porter Jr. #1 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball against Abdel Nader #11 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 3, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images) /
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Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets (Photo by Kim Klement – Pool/Getty Images) /

Michael Porter Jr.’s monster performance in Monday’s win over the Oklahoma City Thunder may have redefined his role with the Denver Nuggets.

It was the ultimate told-you-so moment for the masses of Denver Nuggets fans championing for Michael Porter Jr. minutes, as the talented rookie exploded for 37 points on 12-of-16 shooting to push Denver past the Oklahoma City Thunder 121-113 Monday.

Porter’s performance included an impressive 12 rebounds and 4-of-6 shooting from 3-point range, as he provided the firepower Denver desperately needed down three starters, helping the Nuggets improve to 1-1 in the Orlando bubble.

Things looked bleak after Porter failed to impress in the Nuggets’ 125-105 loss to the Miami Heat Saturday, despite receiving the start. Porter has struggled to earn head coach Michael Malone’s trust throughout his rookie season, and another trip to the bench appeared the likeliest scenario.

Yet, Malone seems to be gaining confidence in the youngster, even before Monday’s performance, as the NBA’s COVID-induced suspension has rendered this effectively Porter’s second season. Malone spoke to this in Monday’s postgame conference:

"“In between games I got 3 texts from Michael (Porter Jr.), saying: ‘I have to be better, I can do better, stay with me,’ all those things. I said, ‘Michael, I’m not going anywhere. I’m gonna stay with you. You’re a hell of a young player and you’re gonna continue to grow.'”"

This should excite Nuggets fans, as Denver’s 111.9 offensive rating ranks 9th best in the league, which likely won’t be enough to render the Nuggets legitimate championship contenders.

However, Porter may be the player to push Denver over the edge, as he’s shown Kevin Durant-like flashes of potent and efficient offense, which would help this Nuggets squad lacking wing scoring and 3-point shooting.

This makes Porter’s presence on the court extremely important, as the Nuggets look to upset higher-ranked Western Conference teams and make a championship run. However, even after a January in which Porter averaged 12.3 points per game on 52.2 percent shooting, he found himself pine-bound most of February and March, due in tandem to an ankle injury and lack of Malone’s trust.

Building on Monday’s strong performance is paramount, as Porter looks to permanently ditch the pine and be a significant contributor going forward. The following are keys to Porter’s continued success throughout 2019-20:

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