Although they won 4-1, the Nuggets did not always lead the debates against the Lakers. Far from it since out of the 240 minutes of playing time, the Lakers led for more than 165 minutes, or 69% of the time! This night again, LeBron James and his team led the score for a long time, and Michael Porter Jr. played a key role in reversing the trend.
In the middle of the 3rd quarter, it was he who sounded the revolt to launch a 9-0 which put the Nuggets in control (74-71). It's him again at the start of “money time” who responds to Austin Reaves, who had just given the Lakers the advantage. It will be his last basket of the match before Jamal Murray signs a new feat.
A new regularity
“Every time we needed a big shot or we weren't making it, he was there,” emphasizes Aaron Gordon. “He’s so strong. »
Criticized for his irregularity in the past, Michael Porter Jr. once again performed well to conclude the series with 26 points, 8/12 on shots, including 5/7 from distance! A performance in line with his good series since the winger averaged 22.8 points and 8.4 rebounds on 55% shooting, including 49% success from distance.
“On offense, Michael was incredible in this series”recognizes his coach, Mike Malone. “Baskets were hard to come by, but Michael made a few timely shots. And when he missed his shot, he was able to penetrate and put pressure on the rim. »
A very particular context
Remarkable performances, superior to his regular season production, while Michael Porter Jr. is going through difficult times in private. As the playoffs approached, his brother Jontay was banned for life from the NBA for a sports betting affair. And just before starting the series, “MPJ” learned that his other brother Coban was sentenced to six years in prison for causing a serious car accident.
But the Nuggets winger was able to ignore it to concentrate on his “fifteen other brothers”.
“It feels good, but at the end of the day, it’s just basketball. I experience more important things off the field,” however, he recalls to conclude. “The field is my sanctuary, and playing well makes me feel good. There are much more important things in life than basketball. »
