The Denver Nuggets have been one of the NBA’s most consistent contenders over the last eight seasons. Apart from winning the championship in 2023, they reached the Western Conference Finals once and the semifinals four times. Powered by the dynamic duo of three-time MVP Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, Denver entered every postseason with high expectations and the pedigree to back them up.
This season, however, felt different. Despite Jokić delivering another MVP-caliber campaign and Murray earning his first All-Star selection, the Nuggets appeared vulnerable. That vulnerability was laid bare in a first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Even without two key starters in Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo, Minnesota defeated Denver 4-2, stunning the Mile High City and ending their title defense earlier than anticipated.
Former Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr., now with the Brooklyn Nets, offered candid insight into the series while speaking on the “Road Trippin’” podcast. Porter admitted he found himself actively cheering for the Timberwolves, describing the feeling as “somewhat like a hater.”
“I actually spoke about that the other day, where you kind of almost feel somewhat like a hater. Like, I’m watching the game thinking, ‘Man, why am I cheering for the Minnesota Timberwolves like that?’” MPJ said.
After reflecting, he attributed the emotion to human nature following his trade from Denver to Brooklyn in exchange for Cam Johnson. Porter spent six impactful seasons with the Nuggets, playing a significant role in their 2023 championship run.
Despite his conflicted rooting interest, Porter Jr. emphasized that he remains close with several former teammates and was disappointed to see them shorthanded. “I wanted one of my guys to do well. I didn’t like that AG was hurt. I didn’t like that Peyton Watson couldn’t do his thing,” he shared. He also mentioned speaking with Christian Braun, who played through an ankle injury sustained in Game 1, drawing a parallel to his own experience battling a shoulder injury the previous year.
The Nuggets’ offensive woes were evident throughout the series. Denver shot just 43.6 percent from the field and struggled to generate quality looks in crunch time against Minnesota’s aggressive defense. In that context, Porter Jr. suggested his scoring presence might have been missed.
“I guess they might miss me,” Michael said in jest. “I don’t know. Probably not.”
While it is impossible to rewrite history, MPJ’s ability to create and convert shots — even against tight defenses — could have provided the kind of secondary scoring the Nuggets lacked at critical moments.
The loss marks a pivotal moment for the Nuggets organization. This offseason, the front office faces critical decisions, beginning with negotiating a contract extension for Jokić, who is eligible for a four-year deal worth approximately $280 million. Beyond retaining their superstar, Denver must identify and acquire players capable of maximizing Jokić’s elite playmaking and gravitational pull on opposing defenses.
Michael Porter Jr.’s honest reflections highlight both the emotional complexity of leaving a championship franchise and the practical challenges the Nuggets encountered without his contributions. For a team accustomed to deep playoff runs, the first-round exit serves as a clear signal that changes may be necessary to return to contender status.