Michael Porter Jr. apologizes for Nuggets Game 2 loss, suffers shoulder injury

DENVER  — A “stupid play” made by Michael Porter Jr. may change the Denver Nuggets’ season; not only did it maybe cost them Game 2 in the series against the Los Angeles Clippers, but it also got the sharp-shooting forward injured, leaving his status in doubt.

With 100 seconds left and the game tied at 100, the Nuggets got a rare miss from Kawhi Leonard, the rebound was collected by MPJ. He quickly threw the ball up, looking for Aaron Gordon, but instantly regretted the decision. He tried to get the loose ball back by diving on the floor. Porter bashed his left shoulder and stayed on the ground.

Meanwhile, the Clippers got the ball and found Norman Powell, who cashed a wing three to take a lead the Clippers would never relinquish.

if mpj doesn’t drop dead here nuggets win this game pic.twitter.com/iUSo2kmpSs

— ali ッ (@WalkDwnAli) April 22, 2025

“I felt like it was on me for that turnover,” Porter said after the game. “I feel like if I had just, I thought, you know, I thought I had two guys streaking down, so I was trying to get it out and advance it up, but I didn’t, so then I turned it over. I just felt like that was the biggest turnover game. Every game is so serious in the playoffs, I had to tell my guys my fault; that was my mistake.”

Compounding the mental error was the physical pain that came from it.

“I made a stupid play after I got the rebound and tried to make up for it, and somebody landed on my shoulder,” Porter shared. “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.”

He’s unsure of his status moving forward because he’s never had an injury like the one he suffered at the tail end of the game.

“I never felt a pain like this in my shoulder area. I’ve had, like, rolled ankles, so I know what I can play through with that. I’ve never had this. But luckily, it’s on my left side, and then my right side.”

Porter is a right-handed shooter. He’s used to playing with pain, dealing with multiple back injuries over the years. Those are taking a toll on him currently, with his knee brace now impacting his movements over the last few games.

Porter still finished with 15 points and a game-high 15 rebounds. The Nuggets lost 105-102 with that turnover being one of the many big mistakes down the stretch.

Moving forward, MPJ will be needed for the rest of the series despite not closing Game 1 and the Nuggets winning. He’s been a key Nugget for many years, so any concerns about his health are scary.

“Definitely feel like my team is going to need me, so I got to be ready to go,” Porter said. “I’ve got to figure out this shoulder stuff so I can be ready for Game 3.”

Game 3 is in Los Angeles on Thursday.