Michael Porter Jr. from Brooklyn made a triumphant return from illness just in time to face the team that traded him earlier this summer. And what a return it was.
On Sunday, Porter led the Nets to a 127-115 victory over the Nuggets in front of a lively Barclays Center crowd of 17,548. It was a much-needed comeback for the veteran forward who had been part of a three-game losing streak with a reduced salary from Denver.
The Nets (11-22) had a season-high six players score at least 13 points, shooting an impressive 50.6% from deep, making 14 out of 33 attempts. Nonetheless, Porter took center stage with a game-high 27 points, along with 11 rebounds and 5 assists.
“If I were him, I’d be really excited for this matchup,” said Jordi Fernandez, who had assisted Porter during his four seasons in Denver. “I’m confident he’ll shine on both ends. It’s an exciting day for him and for all of us.”
Even though Porter was a starter for the title-winning Nuggets in 2023, he played a secondary role behind stars like Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. The Nets landed Cam Johnson in exchange for Porter plus an unprotected first-round pick in 2032. This deal is increasingly seeming like a win for Brooklyn.
Before this game, Porter was the only player in the East averaging at least 25 points and 7 rebounds. He was also among the league’s elite—joining names like Jokic, Luka Doncic, Lauri Markkanen, and Deni Avdija. The Nets, notably, hadn’t won a game without him (0-6) but had a record of 11-16 with him, winning eight of their last eleven outings.
Murray, stepping up in Jokic’s absence due to a hyperextended left knee, scored 27 points and dished out 16 assists, while Tim Hardaway Jr. contributed 26 points. Still, the Nets had more than enough firepower, thanks in part to Porter and Noah Clowney, who added 20 points.
The Nets maintained a narrow 63-56 lead after a play from Murray to Peyton Watson early in the second half. Yet they surged ahead with a strong 21-10 run in the next five minutes, culminating in a series of unanswered points to take firm control. Once they took the lead, they didn’t look back.
Brooklyn shot an outstanding 8 of 9 during a crucial span, including a perfect four for four from beyond the arc. Egor Demin played a critical role, contributing five points and two assists in a decisive run, capping it off with a three-pointer from Porter that extended the lead to 84-66 with just over five minutes left in the third quarter.
The Nets commanded a 19-point lead, never letting it drop to single digits, and they really played well with Porter leading the way.
“He has a lot of leeway here. This trade benefited everyone. He played a key role in us winning a championship,” said Nuggets manager David Adelman, who had previously assisted under Fernandez. “Everyone knows his talent.”
“Mike has that special ability, but he made sacrifices while with us. Our two-man game flourished with him in a different role. It’s great to see him being more free under Jordi,” he added, perhaps knowing that opinions can vary.
