For three quarters on Friday night’s Nuggets-Clippers game, it looked like Michael Porter Jr. would be regretting his controversial post-game comments about his coach’s play calling for the entirety of the offseason.
Following the Nuggets’ loss in Game 4, in which Porter Jr. barely touched the ball late in the game, he publicly called for Nuggets stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray to share the ball more – and was promptly criticized by fellow NBA players, analysts and fans.
For much of Game 5, Porter was invisible on the offensive end. He took just two shots in the first three quarters, and missed both. Predictably, NBA Twitter was letting MPJ have it.
‘…im open’
— MPJ submerged in a sand pit while wearing a straight jacket
— J. Kyle Mann (@jkylemann) September 11, 2020
Michael Porter Jr: We have to get more guys involved.
Michael Porter Jr: 10 mins., 0-1, 0 points.
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) September 12, 2020
The Nuggets made a furious run in the fourth quarter led by Jokic and Murray, though, and Porter Jr. ended up playing a crucial role in a come-from-behind win. With the Nuggets leading 102-100 with just over a minute remaining, Porter Jr. hit a clutch three over Lou Williams to extend the lead.
COLD-BLOODED. pic.twitter.com/5SiYVI69mr
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) September 12, 2020
Then, on the defensive end, MPJ blocked Ivica Zubac and later pulled down a key defensive rebound in the same sequence.
MPJ coming up big down the stretch ❌ pic.twitter.com/fDnwXsa9uX
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) September 12, 2020
With the Clippers forced to foul to extend the game, Porter Jr. went 4-for-4 from the line to help secure the win. Fans were blown away by MPJ’s late game burst.
Props to MPJ, he had zero points until he hit the BIGGEST three of his young career, coming off endless criticism.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) September 12, 2020
Michael Porter Jr. in the last minute of an elimination game pic.twitter.com/CkshtUpjfG
— Jose (@josesandoval630) September 12, 2020
OK MPJ!
Big shot. Huge block. Big rebound.
Talk as much as you want if you're gonna play like this!
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) September 12, 2020
MPJ just had the greatest 7 point game in NBA history
— SWISHOUT (@swishout) September 12, 2020
MPJ in the 4Q:
1 clutch three
1 clutch block
1 alley-oop assist
4 clutch free-throwsHe was +13 on the floor in Game 5, tied for the highest +/- by a Nuggets player. pic.twitter.com/cHiLkM1hLd
— StatMuse (@statmuse) September 12, 2020
Honestly, the MPJ experience is hilarious. He goes 0 for the game for 46 mins. Then makes the ultimate “NonononoYES!” 3. Then he blocks a huge shot on Zubac late, grabs a key rebound, then starts talking shit before he gets fouled and almost gets stripped from behind. It’s great
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) September 12, 2020
