One Key Slump the Nuggets Must Overcome for a Strong Playoff Run…
As the Nuggets focus on maintaining their health and securing playoff positioning, a concerning trend has been developing under the radar—one that needs to be addressed.
MPJ’s Three-Point Struggles
Lately, when Michael Porter Jr. launches a three-pointer, Nuggets fans aren’t feeling as confident as they once did. The once-reliable sharpshooter has seen a noticeable decline in his accuracy from deep, raising concerns about his shooting slump.
Since the All-Star break, Porter Jr. has been hitting just 30.3% of his three-point attempts, making only 1.8 of his 6.1 shots per game from beyond the arc. For context, that’s well below his career 40% average and lags six percentage points behind the league’s current average. His struggles were on full display during a recent 1-for-10 shooting night against the Bulls.
Among Nuggets players with significant minutes post-All-Star break, Porter ranks eighth in three-point percentage. Even when looking at his full-season numbers (38.9%), he trails teammates Aaron Gordon (45.8%), Nikola Jokic (41.3%), Jamal Murray (40.1%), Jalen Pickett (40.0%), and Christian Braun (39.3%).
Denver needs more from its 6’11” scoring forward, but to his credit, he has been working to impact the game in other ways.
Expanding His Offensive Arsenal
Despite his shooting woes, Porter hasn’t simply faded into the background. Instead, he’s been diversifying his offensive approach.
-
Driving to the Basket
Capitalizing on the lingering threat of his three-point shot, MPJ has been more aggressive in attacking the rim. While he’s not yet a consistent creator off the dribble, he’s showing growth in putting pressure on the defense. -
Developing a Midrange Game
Porter has also been incorporating more midrange jumpers into his shot selection, making himself less reliant on three-pointers. His height and shooting ability allow him to rise over most defenders, giving him an advantage from various spots on the floor.
Contributions Beyond Scoring
-
Improved Defense
Defensively, MPJ has made noticeable strides, though occasional lapses still surface. When locked in, he has demonstrated better on-ball defensive potential than in previous seasons. -
Rebounding and Playmaking
His rebounding has been a bright spot, averaging 8.2 boards per game since the break. Additionally, he’s shown glimpses of solid outlet passing, helping the Nuggets push in transition.
Nuggets’ Offense Remains Strong
Oddly enough, despite Porter’s shooting slump, Denver’s offense remains elite. The Nuggets currently rank fourth in the NBA in three-point percentage and lead the league in clutch three-point shooting at an impressive 45.5%.
As the third option on a top-tier offense, MPJ’s struggles haven’t derailed the team. However, if he regains his shooting touch by playoff time, Denver’s offense could reach another level. The key is for the Nuggets to continue trusting their shot selection and capitalizing on open opportunities.
The Road Ahead
Porter’s ongoing development highlights the unpredictable nature of an NBA season. Progress isn’t always linear, but he is actively working to become a more well-rounded player.
With the postseason approaching, all eyes will be on his ability to bounce back. In the high-pressure environment of the playoffs, every possession matters, and Denver will need MPJ’s shooting at its best to maximize their championship aspirations.
Keep firing, MPJ—the Nuggets need you.
