Freed from the shadow of Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray in Denver, Michael Porter Jr. vowed to become a go-to scorer with the Nets. Over the last five games since Cam Thomas went down with a hamstring injury, he’s done exactly that.
The former NBA champion has averaged 27.3 points over that stretch, highlighted by a season-high 34 on 11-for-18 shooting in Brooklyn’s 129-106 win over the Wizards on Sunday. His turnovers have climbed to 2.3 per game from 1.4 last season in Denver and his overall efficiency has dipped slightly, but his shot-making has been undeniable. He’s also getting to the free throw line more frequently than at any point in his career, a sign of his growing assertiveness as a primary scorer.
There’s still work to be done if Porter is going to fully grow into this role, but it’s clear he’s improved in the areas the Nets needed most. He’s hunting contact, creating his own looks and carrying stretches of the offense in a way he rarely had to in Denver. For a team searching for stability and scoring punch with Thomas injured, his emergence has been one of the few bright spots in a difficult start.
The 27-year-old is the ninth player in franchise history to record at least four 30-point outings through the first 13 games.
“In Denver, we were together for years, that core,” Porter told reporters on Sunday. “And we got better and better and better and eventually won a championship. This is our first dozen of games playing with each other over here, so, it takes time and I feel like we’re starting to learn each other. We’re starting to become more cohesive as a group… We’re a young group and we’re going to keep getting better, I think.”
While Brooklyn has tasted victory only twice through its first 11 games, one sign of the team’s growing cohesion is Porter’s rising assist numbers. He never averaged more than 2.1 in six healthy seasons with Denver, yet he’s up to 3.7 per game over his last six outings. He’s also handed out seven assists in each of his last two games against Orlando and Washington, matching his career high, and has averaged nine rebounds over his last seven outings.
Even when the wins aren’t there, Porter’s presence has given the Nets an identity they can lean on. It’s the foundation the staff hoped to see when they entrusted him with a larger role.
“Efficient shooter from 2s and 3s, efficient playmaker… and a very good rebounder,” head coach Jordi Fernández said. “He just makes the team better, and once again, it’s not about Michael, but he has a plan for him to get better and to show things that he hasn’t done before. And right now, for him to buy into finishing his cuts, not dancing, not over dribbling, putting pressure on the rim, everybody benefits from it. And guess what? Usually when he does it, he’s the one benefiting from it. So, we want him and need him to play like this because it’s just contagious and good for the group.”
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