In the last two games, Porter’s taken uncharacteristic shots, attempted looks despite blanket defensive coverage, and missed an unusual number of attempts he’s accustomed to making.
Reserve forward Vlatko Cancar spent considerable time talking with Porter, who struggled through a second consecutive unsettling shooting night. Porter finished just 4 of 15 from the field for 10 points, and only 1 of 5 from 3-point range. Over the last two games – both losses and both without two-time reigning MVP Nikola Jokic – Porter’s combined for just 5-of-23 shooting for 15 total points.
Functionally, it’s the effect of missing both Jokic and Jamal Murray, who each entered health and safety protocols ahead of Friday’s rout in Dallas. Aaron Gordon missed the game as well due to a non-COVID illness, and Nuggets coach Michael Malone suggested there was a chance he’d be available for Sunday’s round two against Dallas.
But as Porter sat at his locker and conversed with Cancar, it wasn’t hard to consider how much weight he was feeling as the primary option in an offense that, at least temporarily, has been gutted.Acutely aware of the three starters Denver was missing, Malone made an astute point on the gravity Porter had faced over the last two games.
“I think it also speaks to the value and greatness of Nikola, how he gets guys so many easy looks because one, he attracts so much attention and he’s a great and willing passer,” Malone said. “While Nikola is not here, we have to find ways to try to get Michael some easy ones, and I think Michael’s gotta help himself at the same time. … Make or miss, continue to play hard, compete and fight.”
Against the Knicks, his lone made bucket was a corner 3-pointer off a feed from Murray. When open, it’s the kind of shot he rarely misses. Against Dallas, there were even better examples of how to free him up. Early in the second quarter he scored a transition layup after snatching a defensive rebound. Later in the quarter, he ran the floor hard, spaced to the corner as the Nuggets have preached and was rewarded with a feed from Jeff Green. Porter stepped into his shot confidently and buried it.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Democratic Rep. Katie Porter holds on to seat in tightly fought Orange County raceRep. Katie Porter of Irvine, a rising star in the Democratic Party, fended off a challenge from Republican Scott Baugh, a former state lawmaker, to secure her third term in Congress
Read more »
Porter, Rockets beat Mavericks 101-92 with Doncic restingKevin Porter Jr. had 17 points and 11 rebounds and eight assists, and the last-place Houston Rockets took advantage of Luka Doncic's absence in a 101-92 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
Read more »
California Democratic Rep. Porter reelected after tough raceLOS ANGELES (AP) — Democratic Rep. Katie Porter was reelected Thursday after a bruising campaign in Southern California, where she spent over $24 million to defend her seat in a closely divid…
Read more »
California Democratic Rep. Porter reelected after tough raceDemocratic Rep. Katie Porter has survived a bitter reelection fight in Southern California
Read more »