Nuggets Starter Owns Up to Costly Mistake in Game 2 Loss to Clippers
The Denver Nuggets dropped Game 2 of their series against the LA Clippers, evening things up at 1-1 after their thrilling overtime win in the opener.
Despite a dominant showing from Kawhi Leonard—who tallied 39 points on an ultra-efficient 15-of-19 shooting, including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc and a perfect 5-of-5 at the line—the Clippers managed to rally past a strong effort from Nikola Jokic, who recorded a 26-point triple-double in the loss.
Michael Porter Jr. delivered an impressive performance with 15 points and 15 rebounds (six of them offensive), shooting 6-of-11 from the floor and 2-of-4 from three. However, his night ended on a sour note due to a costly error and a late-game injury.
With the game tied and just 1:40 remaining in regulation, Porter Jr. grabbed a key defensive rebound but threw a poor pass that resulted in a turnover. In an attempt to recover, he dove to regain possession but was injured when Clippers guard Kris Dunn fell on him.
That sequence proved pivotal. Following the turnover, Norman Powell knocked down a clutch three-pointer to give the Clippers a 103-100 edge—a lead they never relinquished.
After the game, Porter Jr. reportedly approached teammates in the locker room to apologize and explain the play that led to his injury.
“I made a stupid play after I got the rebound. Tried to make up for it, and somebody landed on my shoulder,” he admitted.
Fortunately for Denver, Porter Jr. said the injury isn’t “too serious,” but with the series tied and heading to Los Angeles for two road games, the Nuggets can ill afford any further blows to their depth.
