Jamal Murray Praises Michael Porter Jr. After Off-Night Shooting Performance
In the wake of the Denver Nuggets’ recent victory, star point guard Jamal Murray took a moment to praise his teammate Michael Porter Jr., following an off-night shooting performance by the sharpshooter. Porter, who has been an instrumental part of the Nuggets’ offensive strategy this season, struggled with his shooting against the opposition, but Murray was quick to defend his teammate’s ability and emphasize the importance of his contributions to the team.
After a hard-fought 112-99 win against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Murray addressed reporters and was asked about Porter’s performance, which saw him score just 8 points on 3-of-12 shooting. While the numbers weren’t as high as usual for the talented forward, Murray made it clear that he didn’t hold Porter’s shooting struggles against him, highlighting the consistency and talent he brings to the team night in and night out.
“He’s one of the best shooters I’ve ever seen,” Murray said with genuine admiration. “When MPJ (Michael Porter Jr.) is on, he’s one of the toughest players in the league to defend. And even when he’s not having the best shooting night, he’s still contributing in so many other ways. If he’s open, he’s shooting it. That’s the mentality we want from him. If he has an off night every now and then, it’s just part of the game. It’s not his fault, it just didn’t go down tonight.”
Porter, who has quickly developed a reputation as one of the NBA’s elite shooters, has been a key part of the Nuggets’ offensive system. His ability to stretch the floor, knock down deep three-pointers, and score efficiently has made him a perfect complement to MVP Nikola Jokić. Over the course of this season, Porter has been averaging over 17 points per game, and his shooting from beyond the arc has been a major factor in Denver’s success.
However, in the game against the Thunder, Porter’s shot wasn’t falling as he had hoped. He struggled with his shot selection, often missing open looks from three-point range, and seemed frustrated at times. Despite this, his teammates remained supportive, and Murray, in particular, was eager to reassure him.
Murray, who has become known for his leadership and clutch play, emphasized that no player in the league is immune to occasional off-nights. He noted that Porter’s shooting struggles were simply part of the ebb and flow of an NBA season and that the Nuggets had the depth to overcome individual challenges.
“Basketball’s a game of runs, and sometimes shots just don’t fall,” Murray continued. “But what I know is, if he’s open, he’ll keep shooting. We have full confidence in him every time he steps on the floor. He’s one of the best shooters in this league, and he’s proved it time and time again. His value to this team goes far beyond just scoring. His spacing, his rebounding, his defense – all those things matter.”
Porter’s struggles didn’t overshadow the Nuggets’ win, as Denver was able to pull away with a solid team effort. The Nuggets’ offense continued to flow through Jokić, who put up a triple-double and was instrumental in setting up his teammates. Porter, despite his shooting woes, contributed 6 rebounds and 3 assists, showing his willingness to impact the game in other ways.
For his part, Porter took the loss in stride. “It’s frustrating, but I’m not going to let it define me,” he said after the game. “I know I’ll bounce back. I’ve got great teammates around me, and Jamal is always supportive. We all have those nights. Just got to keep shooting.”
As the Nuggets continue to build momentum this season, it’s clear that the chemistry between Murray, Porter, and the rest of the team is strong. With their focus on the bigger picture, Denver’s success will rely on each player stepping up, and Murray’s endorsement of Porter’s shooting ability shows just how much trust and belief the Nuggets have in their young star.
As for Porter, there’s no doubt he’ll keep shooting, knowing his teammates have his back, no matter what.