Denver Nuggets star Michael Porter Jr. faced a challenging week as his siblings dealt with some “bad and sad stuff,” but he credited his teammates for helping him stay focused on the court.
Porter’s brothers, Jontay and Coban, were both in the news for different reasons leading up to the Nuggets’ playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers. Jontay received a lifetime ban from the NBA for betting on basketball games, including on his own team, while Coban was sentenced to six years in prison for a fatal DUI crash.
Despite the personal turmoil, Porter put up an impressive performance in the Nuggets’ 114-103 victory over the Lakers, scoring 19 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and recording two blocks.
“It was a tough week for my family, but I have my teammates who are like brothers to me,” Porter said after the game. “I knew I had to be here for them and focus on doing my job at a high level.”
Nuggets star Nikola Jokic praised Porter’s resilience amid the difficult circumstances, emphasizing the bond the team shares both on and off the court.
Porter averaged 16.7 points, 7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game for the Nuggets during the season, playing in 81 of the team’s 82 games.
As Porter continues to navigate personal challenges, his teammates and the basketball court provide a source of support and distraction during a trying time.
