Denver Nuggets’ small forward, Michael Porter Jr., has struggled with shooting, scoring, and minutes in the NBA Finals. However, before Game 4, coach Michael Malone expressed his confidence in Porter and made it clear that he is the team’s starting small forward.
Malone stated that many people are quick to dismiss players, and that Porter has been missing shots lately. However, he reminded everyone that Porter is a great shooter and that if he takes the right shots and generates the right shots for him, he believes in Porter’s abilities. Malone also expressed a similar sentiment with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, stating that both players need to keep shooting to get out of their slump.
Malone has zero doubt that Porter will have a big game soon to help the team win the championship. Malone’s confidence in Porter comes despite Porter’s poor performance in Games 2 and 3, where he shot a combined 3-for-15 and scored only seven points. Porter has also seen his playing time reduced to 21 minutes in Game 3.
Porter, on the other hand, is not feeling pressure or lacking confidence in his shot. He believes that he’s just missing shots, and sometimes the ball doesn’t go in. He knows that his teammates and coaches have confidence in his shot and that he’ll get it going soon.
Porter’s Outlook for the Remainder of the Finals
Despite his shooting struggles, Porter has continued to play hard defensively and tried to rebound the ball while on the court. He also believes that shooting and offense are natural to him, and he can’t put too much stock into a couple of rough shooting games. He’s looking forward to bouncing back in that area soon.
During Games 2 and 3, Bruce Brown played 27 and 29 minutes, respectively, while rookie Christian Braun had his best game of the Finals with 15 points in 19 minutes in Game 3. However, Malone and other Nuggets, such as Jamal Murray, have continued to express their confidence in Porter.
Murray, who had 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in Game 3, was seen wearing a bandage on his left hand during practice. But Malone assured everyone that Murray is fine and that he only had a floor burn.
Despite his shooting struggles, Michael Porter Jr. has the confidence of his coach and teammates. Porter knows that his team needs him on the offensive end and is looking to bounce back soon. Malone and the Nuggets are hoping that Porter will have a big game soon to help them win the championship.
Leave a Reply