The Denver Nuggets needed a perfect game to get past the Los Angeles Lakers Saturday night. They got one from Michael Porter Jr.
Michael Porter Jr. Tonight:
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) March 3, 2024
25 Points
10 Rebounds
10/10 (100% FG) pic.twitter.com/NGe0L0YXxD
Porter scored 25 points, grabbed 10 boards and made all 10 of his shots from the field as his Nuggets beat the Lakers, 124-114. 10 months after sweeping Los Angeles in the Western Conference Finals, the Nuggets swept the season series with their third win over the Lakers.
It wasn’t a simple diet of shots for Porter either. He hit five three-pointers and five other shots between 14 and 20 feet.
Michael Porter Jr. with two 1st quarter 3-pointers for the #Nuggets #MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/JMDIa4VD95
— Joel Rush (@JoelRushNBA) March 3, 2024
With Nikola Jokic scoring 35 points on 16-25 shooting, Porter’s hot shooting made things impossible for the Lakers defense. After a strong first half, Denver outscored Los Angeles 66-48 in the second half, closing on a 16-4 run.
Porter didn’t score in that stretch, but he made a huge defensive play, blocking Anthony Davis with the Nuggets holding onto a five-point lead.
Jokic seemingly predicted Porter’s perfect night after MPJ put up thirty in a win over the Miami Heat.
“Whenever he takes a shot, I think it’s going in,” he told reporters.
Nikola Jokić:
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) March 1, 2024
"Whenever (Michael Porter Jr.) takes a shot, I think it's going in. Whenever he's shooting, I'm happy with it." pic.twitter.com/19BJ2xx4xy
After Saturday night, the Lakers agree with him.
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