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

Keep cutting around Nikola Jokic

Porter’s performance was efficient and effective, as he played well with Nikola Jokic, utilizing the sweet-passing big man to score multiple easy baskets. This is pivotal in Denver, as successful scorers cut effectively around Jokic, playing in-sync with the All-Star facilitator and collecting easy baskets off his passing.

Porter finished 5 of Jokic’s 10 assists Monday, rendering himself a frequent and easy target for Denver’s primary playmaker. Porter also scored 21 of his 37 points off layups, dunks and free-throws, which is a great mix for the oversized small forward.

Jokic was complimentary of Porter’s play in the post-game press conference. “He’s a big target, he’s strong,” Jokic said. “It is kind of easy when he gets open, it’s easy to find him.”

This is high praise coming from the team’s alpha and outlines a clear path to minutes in developing chemistry with Jokic. Even though Jokic is a quieter superstar than most, his vote of approval is significant, as Malone wants to give him the necessary tools for an effective offense.

If Porter continues cutting around Jokic, defenses will also be forced to cover him 360 degrees, wary of both the basket cut and deep shot alike. This creates cleaner attempts for Porter, as defenders will be unable to cheat on his 3-ball.