Nuggets could be turning the corner on the Michael Porter Jr. trade after Game 5
So many were loud in their opinions about giving up Michael Porter Jr. final offseason for Cameron Johnson. And rightfully so, at first. Cam had performed poorly to begin the yr, however he began to have a look at the half the Nuggets traded for to finish the season. Cam’s efficiency in the Nuggets’ 125-113 Game 5 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the elimination sport at residence turned the corner on the trade, and it could have closed the guide on how that trade labored out for the Nuggets.
Cam was spectacular in the Nuggets’ defensegritty win. Johnson completed the sport with 18 factors, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and a plus-24 when he was on the ground. It was an entire sport apart from the 2-7 from deep, however he made up for it with a 6-6 from two, together with some aggressive drives for layups.
Cam helped open passing lanes for Nikola Jokic
The Nuggets want extra of that aggressive play. Someone to create, assault, and stress the rim on the offensive aspect. Cam had 5 of the six makes from two round the rim. It opened up the ground for Nikola Jokic, who had 16 assists, the most he is ever had in opposition to the Timberwolves in the playoffs. Jokic had simply 3 assists in Game 3’s loss, and 9 in Game 4.
It was nice to see Cam pivot to the aggressive takes to the rim after realizing (*5*) season. Cam is capturing simply 24% from downtown in the collection, after capturing 43% in the common season.
Cam has stuffed in simply nice for MPJ in opposition to the Wolves
Apples to apples, Porter averaged 10.7 factors, 5.1 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.1 blocks in seven video games in opposition to the Timberwolves in the 2023-24 playoffs. Through 5 video games, Cam is averaging 11.6 factors, 2.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.2 steals.
Overall, it is practically the identical participant. Except for these aggressive takes to the rim in Game 5. That was totally different. And Cam has been extra constant than MPJ was. MPJ had video games of 21 and 20, and likewise 4, 6, and seven factors. Cam’s totals by means of 5 video games are 12, 13, 6, 9, 18. Here’s to hoping for an additional 18 or extra sport for Game 6.
The trade appears to be tilting to the Nuggets now after Cam’s run to finish the season and begin the playoffs. The trade triggered the Nuggets to get below the luxurious tax and keep away from additional penalties for being nicely over the threshold. It could not have appeared that manner when MPJ began the season on fireplace, and Cam wasn’t, however slightly time and familiarity with the crew have gone a good distance towards turning the corner for Cam with the Nuggets.
