PORTER SHINES
Denver tops Minnesota 107-100
Minnesota forward Jarrett Culver never saw Michael Porter Jr. coming.
Four minutes into the fourth quarter Monday night at the Target Center, Porter soared out of nowhere and smashed Culver’s layup attempt into the backboard. That kick-started a fast break, which ultimately ended in another 3-pointer for the surging rookie.
Porter’s ruthless shooting and dogged work on the glass helped boost the Nuggets past the Timberwolves 107-100. Porter logged 20 points and a career-high 14 rebounds to end the Nuggets’ third consecutive back-to-back set on a high note and start their three-game road trip on a positive.
“I think (my confidence) has definitely grown,” said Porter. He added: “Just helping the team win. Not going out there thinking about me. I’m just going out there to try to help the team win, and I’m not trying to go out there and be a letdown on the defensive or offensive side.”
Added Nuggets coach Michael Malone: “He’s growing up in front of our eyes, and he has so much room to grow, which is what really excites I think everybody in Nugget nation is that Michael Porter has all the makings of a young star, but there’s so much more room for growth.”
It wasn’t just Porter, however. Five Nuggets scored in double figures, including Nikola Jokic, Jerami Grant and Will Barton, who turned in huge nights. Jokic played battering ram down low as part of his 17-point, 13-rebound performance and Grant made an impact with 19 points and seven rebounds. He and Barton combined for six 3pointers — more than half of Denver’s 11.
The Timberwolves trailed just 104-100 with 1:28 remaining before Barton’s dagger 3 extinguished hope.
“I didn’t think Will Barton was going to play,” Malone said. “He’s banged up. For him to go out there to play the way he did, feeling how he does, a testament to his toughness as well.”
The same went for Mason Plumlee, who returned in the second half after rolling his ankle in the second quarter.
The win improved the Nuggets to 30-13 overall and 13-7 on the road. They’re well on their way to surpassing their NBA franchise record for road wins in a season, which stands at 22.
Neither team could create any separation in the third quarter as Porter continued to pad his stats. At 6-foot-10, he soared on the defensive glass, and it’s fair to wonder if he realizes that his best shot at finding scoring opportunities simply comes from mopping up the boards. On one sequence, he corralled a defenArenado’s sive rebound and coasted up the court into a transition 3-pointer. By the end of the back-and-forth period, the Nuggets led 81-79.
For the third consecutive game, the Nuggets were down three starters and had to lean on their substantial depth. Led by Porter, their bench outscored the Timberwolves’ reserves 43-36.
But Jamal Murray did do some light dribbling before the game, while the point guard responsibilities were left to Monte Morris and P.J. Dozier.
Even while nursing his sore ankle, Murray’s impact has been felt. Against the Pacers on Sunday, Murray was one of the most animated players on the Nuggets’ bench.
“If you can’t play, if you can’t help the team, if you’re out with injury, find a way to contribute something,” Malone said before the game. “And obviously, we are a better team with Jamal Murray, Gary Harris and Paul Millsap active and in the lineup, but if they’re not able to play, bring something to the table. And I thought Jamal was terrific last night in terms of his voice in the huddles, his energy on the bench, constantly encouraging guys.”