Following the Denver Nuggets` hard-fought 113-104 overtime victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of their second-round playoff series, forward Michael Porter Jr. revealed to reporters that the shoulder injury he is currently managing would typically sideline a player for between four and six weeks.
Despite the recommended recovery time, Porter stated unequivocally, “I`m not doing that.” His resolve was evident in Game 3, where he contributed 21 points and eight rebounds on efficient 7-of-10 shooting, helping the Nuggets secure a surprising 2-1 series lead over the top-seeded Thunder, who finished the regular season with 68 wins.
Porter sustained the injury, a Grade 2 sprain in his left shoulder, during Game 2 of the Nuggets` opening-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers. The sprain occurred when he dove to the floor in pursuit of a loose ball. A Grade 2 sprain is not only intensely painful but also significantly impairs his ability to raise his arm above his head.
Despite the diagnosis and discomfort, Porter has refused to miss any game time. He has played in every playoff contest so far. While his performance has been inconsistent at times due to the injury, he has also come up with crucial shots and played a vital role in the Nuggets` postseason journey. This includes a 17-point outing in a must-win Game 4 on the road against the Clippers and a solid 15 points in the decisive Game 7 of that series.
His 21 points in the pivotal Game 3 victory over the Thunder represent his highest scoring performance of this playoff run.
Teammate Jamal Murray commented on Porter`s resilience, saying on Friday, “People don`t understand or know what he plays through or how much he`s played through his whole career. It`s a testament to his resilience and love for the game. And his will to win as well.”
Porter`s career has been heavily impacted by injuries. He was once projected as a potential first overall pick but fell to No. 14 in the 2018 draft largely due to back injury concerns. He underwent back surgery while in college and needed another shortly after being drafted, forcing him to miss his entire rookie season with the Nuggets. A few years later, he suffered another back issue requiring a third surgery in December 2021. In total, he underwent three back procedures within five years early in his career.
Since his last back surgery, however, Porter has enjoyed better health, appearing in a career-high 81 games last season and 77 this season. The current shoulder sprain is his most significant injury since that time. While many would understand if he took time off to recover, he has no desire to do so.
Explaining his decision to play through the pain, Porter stated, “I just think that it`s do-or-die for our team, so I don`t feel the pull to really try to rest it.” He added, “I`m gonna definitely go out there and try. Because I might be able to make an impact. Some shots might go down. I`ve just gotta be very selective with how I play.”
Porter`s toughness and ability to hit shots have been key factors in the Nuggets finding themselves just two wins away from advancing to the Western Conference finals. This is an achievement few would have predicted just weeks prior, especially after recent changes within the team`s coaching staff and front office.
Jasper Hawthorne