The third star the LA Clippers have feared when playing the Denver Nuggets is Michael Porter Jr. He is a knock-down sniper and always has something bigger to fight for against LA, as they continued to let him sink in the 2018 NBA Draft by picking Jerome Robinson.
In ‘The Bubble,’ the Clippers coughed a 3-1 lead to Denver, and Porter Jr. had plenty to do with it as his jumper was pure and always seemed like money. Hence, the Nuggets’ front office signed him to a maximum contract of $207 million in 2021.
However, Porter Jr. has been hurt in the Clippers’ time of vengeance against the Nuggets this season. His shoulder is beat, and though he is playing through it, the 2023 NBA champion is not doing well.
Sure, Porter Jr. had 17 points in the last game in 42 minutes, but overall, including his postseason-high, he is averaging 10.5 points and shooting 42.9% from the field. He has also posted a charity strike percentage of 66.7 and 2.0 turnovers per game.
Amid game four, there was the second altercation of the series, this time between James Harden and Christian Braun. Others like Aaron Gordon involved themselves, but it all started with an unnecessary reach-in from Braun.
Nonetheless, Porter Jr. was on the bench during the brawl, yet he made a costly mistake that should have resulted in a suspension. On the contrary, the NBA seems to have let it slide.
Michael Porter Jr. admitted to not knowing the rule yet and likely will not be suspended and/or fined
When coaches from the Denver Nuggets’ began to run toward everyone involved in the altercation, Michael Porter Jr., a player on the bench, ran to the goal before being held back by his peers.
Clippers-Nuggets Game 4 getting heated pic.twitter.com/vs7tvxnBWD
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) April 26, 2025
He was asked about it shortly after Aaron Gordon's magical dunk, apologized, and admitted not knowing the consequences.
Michael Porter Jr. on leaving the bench during the Clippers-Nuggets scuffle:
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) April 27, 2025
“Sorry. I didn’t know the specific rule. I’m glad I didn’t make it very far… To see my guys get in it like that, I’m just glad I didn’t make it very far. The coaches and my teammates were aware.… pic.twitter.com/gXaklGQqf6
With just a day left to prepare for game five, the NBA has not announced an update regarding Porter Jr.’s mistake. They usually do so immediately; by law, he should have received a suspension and a $50,000 fine.
Without Porter Jr. in game five, the Clippers have much less to worry about. Losing an elite shooter takes away from a Nuggets team that is 11th in three-point percentage in the NBA playoffs. This may lead Denver to lose one more in the series, putting their season in danger in game six.
Although Porter Jr. took accountability, it would be extremely one-sided of the NBA not to suspend him for game five.