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Denver Nuggets: Michael Porter Jr. is Hopeful to Play After Sustaining Shoulder Injury in Game 2
Denver Nuggets: Michael Porter Jr. is Hopeful to Play After Sustaining Shoulder Injury in Game 2 12 Oct 15, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) on the bench in the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Denver Nuggets could miss one of their key starters in Game 3 against the Los Angeles Clippers , as Michael Porter Jr. received a questionable tag due to a shoulder injury he sustained in Game 2.

With the game tied at 100 points with less than two minutes left, Porter dove for a loose ball, and Kris Dunn landed on his left shoulder. The play ended on a Norman Powell three-point shot to give Los Angeles a three-point advantage.

Porter did not return from the game and finished with 15 points and 15 rebounds on 6-for-11 shooting from the field in 33 minutes. The 26-year-old swingman elaborated on his injury to the media after Game 2.


Denver Nuggets' Jamal Murray is May 6, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) and guard Jamal Murray (27) on the bench in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game two of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

“I made a stupid play after I got the rebound and tried to make up for it, and somebody landed on my shoulder,” Porter said via Jake Shapiro of Denver Sports. “I never felt anything like this in my shoulder. But it’s good, though. It’s just a joint sprain, so it’s nothing too serious. So hopefully I can do what I can to heal it up.”

Denver Nuggets News: David Adelman opens up on Michael Porter Jr.’s injury status

Denver Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman said Michael Porter Jr. participated in the team’s most recent practice. Despite the questionable tag, Adelman believes Porter will be available in Game 3.


Denver Nuggets: Michael Porter Jr. is Hopeful to Play After Sustaining Shoulder Injury in Game 2 3 Apr 20, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) sits during a timeout during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers in game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports

“We didn’t do a ton, just got guys moving, walked through a lot of their stuff, us defensively, us offensively, reacting to what we saw in Game 2, but yeah, Mike was a participant,” Adelman said via ClutchPoints’ Tomer Azarly.

“I’m very optimistic because Mike’s one of the toughest. I don’t think he gets enough credit for how tough he is, what he’s played through over this year. His pain threshold is something that people don’t understand or don’t get, what he deals with all year long. So, do I know if Mike’s going to play? No. But I do know that if Mike can play, he will. So trust Mike,” he added.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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