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.
“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.
“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.
