“He Took That Personally”: Michael Malone Breaks Down Michael Porter Jr’s Outburst Owing to Nuggets’ Bubble Run

The defending champions Denver Nuggets have had a great start to the season with an unbeaten record in the initial stage. Despite losing their star shooter Jamal Murray over a hamstring injury for nine games, the team produced an 11-6 record. Apart from Nikola Jokic, there are several other Nuggets stars who stepped up consistently like Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr., and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. However, Porter Jr.’s contribution in this season has stood out and head coach Michael Malone revealed the reason behind it.

The Nuggets have been on a roll since the inclusion of Nikola Jokic into the side. Eight seasons after his entry, the team went on to win their first-ever NBA title. Over the course of these eight seasons, the management built a strong team around the Serbian star. Importantly, the supporting cast also plays an equal role in the success of the team. Out of them, let’s find out what Coach Malone has to say about Porter Jr.

Coach Malone breaks down the Michael Porter Jr. story

The Nuggets during the bubble produced some great talents. Jamal Murray got his nickname ‘Bubble Murray’ for his points outburst in the Orlando Bubble. Similarly, Michael Malone recently revealed that Michael Porter Jr.’s growth arc began in the bubble.

The 6 ’10 star averages 17.4 points and 7.7 rebounds per game this season. The star has improved a lot near the paint over the last years, as he is always in the hunt for the rebounds.

Ahead of the game against the LA Clippers, Malone took questions in the press conference. Answering a question about Michael Porter Jr.’s explosive season, he credited the NBA bubble. He said, “You go back to the bubble in the playoffs and teams were trying to go at him and target him. To his credit, I think he took that personally, you know. He didn’t want to be that guy.”

In the absence of Murray, Porter Jr. has stepped in alongside Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Aaron Gordon to find the balance in the side.

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Moreover, this isn’t the first time Malone has backed Porter. He did it once during his poor shooting spree.

Malone backs Porter during his poor form

It’s common to listen to a coach speak highly of his players during his success, but Malone doesn’t fall under that category. He backed Porter Jr. even during his poor form, reported ESPN. Ahead of Game 4 of NBA Finals 2023, there was a lot of criticism about the 25-year-old. In response to that, Malone said, “I think so many people are quick to dismiss people… Michael Porter isn’t making shots right now, and we know he is a great shooter. We know what he is capable of.” 

What do you make of Malone’s take on Michael Porter? Let us know in the comments below.

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