Nikola Jokic isn’t one to mince words and after the Denver Nuggets‘ narrow 112-110 overtime win over the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 1, he made his feelings clear about Michael Porter Jr.’s lackluster performance. When asked what he could do to help Porter stay engaged, Jokic delivered a brutal but honest assessment:
“If you’re not going to be engaged right now, then you’re not supposed to be playing this sport.”
That comment hit hard—and for good reason. With the playoffs underway and Denver entering the postseason as defending champions amid off-court turmoil, effort is non-negotiable. Porter’s Game 1 showing raised red flags.
The 6-foot-10 forward played just 26 minutes, the fewest among starters, finishing with only three points, four rebounds, and one made shot on four attempts. He was the only Nuggets starter with a negative plus-minus.
While Jokic put up a near triple-double with 29 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds, and Russell Westbrook delivered a gritty two-way performance that helped spark a second-half comeback, Porter looked disengaged on both ends.
His defensive lapses were glaring, as the Clippers hunted him on switches, finding success with Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and even Nic Batum attacking him in isolation.
Interim head coach David Adelman clearly took notice. Porter was benched for key stretches, including overtime, in favor of Westbrook, whose energy and defensive commitment proved invaluable.
When asked postgame about his rotation choices, Adelman didn’t hold back either, emphasizing that the guys that are playing the best at that time are going to finish.
Jokic’s pointed remark wasn’t just frustration, it was leadership. The three-time MVP understands the stakes and the urgency required in the playoffs. The Nuggets barely escaped Game 1 with a win despite trailing by as much as 15 and turning the ball over 20 times. Every possession counts. Every player must bring it.
Porter’s situation is complicated. He’s one of the most talented offensive weapons on the roster, but his inconsistency and effort have always been concerns.
He’s also one of the Nuggets’ highest-paid players, making over $35 million this season. But salary doesn’t guarantee playoff minutes, especially not under Adelman, who’s made it clear that performance will dictate playing time.
Fans were quick to react to Jokic’s candid postgame quote, with many applauding his growth as a vocal leader. Some speculated that Porter could be on the trading block if he doesn’t turn things around. Others simply echoed the MVP’s sentiment: this is the playoffs, no time for passivity.
Game 2 offers Porter a chance to respond. If he brings energy on defense, stays active off-ball, and knocks down open looks, he’ll be back in the closing lineup. But if the effort remains questionable, the Nuggets won’t hesitate to lean on Westbrook, Braun, or anyone else ready to step up.
Jokic isn’t asking Porter to be perfect. He’s asking him to care. And if that doesn’t happen now, it might never happen at all.
