The Denver Nuggets are currently at the edge of elimination from the NBA playoffs.
The Denver’s Nuggets suffered a 112-105 loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5, a semi-matched up in the Western Conference.
As OKC took a 3-2 series lead, the NBA playoff loss sends the Nuggets home, marking the official end of the 2024-25 season.
After struggling with the past few games, Nuggets superstar Nikola Zhokic has finally managed to recover his amazing touch. However, his 44-point 15 masterpiece masterpiece wasn’t enough to direct Denver towards victory.
This was not the first time this postseason, and Michael Porter Jr. took responsibility for the Denver Nuggets more than help.
The Nuggets star may get a pass considering his courageous will to continue playing amid a complicated shoulder problem, but Porter Jr.’s shocking play is far too expensive for Denver against Oklahoma City.
After an emotional 21-point Game 3 performance, Porter Jr. layed eggs again in Game 5.
He scored just two points, shooting 1-7 from the field and a disastrous 14%. His sofa score rating was 5.8/10.
These filming counts mean that Porter JR had only 10 points in total over games 4 and 5 against Thunder, with only three-in-18 successful shooting.
“We played enough to win the last two games, and a lot of the reason we lost is because I haven’t helped contribute,” Porter Jr. said after Game 5, according to the Denver Post.
“It’s hard. It’s really hard. I look at myself individually, and since I’m not doing it, it’s a way that can help the team win.
“I’m not contributing now.”
Statistically, Porter Junior is struggling badly in the five games of this series. As the Nuggets’ third star behind Jokic and Jamal Murray, his 7.2 points and 29% accuracy in shooting is simply not enough.
He also digs out most of his shots outside, registering just 26% of his three.
This 2025 postseason is full of Porter Jr.’s ups and downs. He also endured a similar roller coaster experience from the previous round with the LA Clippers.
However, the forwards of the Nuggets remain determined to help the Nuggets in every way he can, in order to continue tracking the title.
“They always have my back, but they want to win too,” Porter added.
“And I want to win too. So if I’m going to get out there and play, I need to help contribute. But we have another game. I’m locked up and ready to turn it around and help the team.
“We cannot lose hope until there is no hope.”
With no room for error currently remaining, Game 6 on May 15th will serve as a major test for Porter Jr. to prove himself and redeem. There is no second chance left in this series.
