5 reasons Denver Nuggets can still win 2021 NBA championship

3. Michael Porter Jr. is taking his scoring to the next level

This may be Michael Porter Jr.’s breakout year, and Denver need him now more than ever.

Since Murray’s absence, Porter has averaged 25 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, shooting 56.9 percent from the field and 49.4 percent from 3-point territory. He’s the kind of surefire deadly weapon that, paired with Jokic’s passing ammo, could ravage even the best defenses.

What makes Porter so special to Denver is his sheer size: his 6-foot-10 frame makes him incredibly difficult to guard and his shot almost impossible to block. According to Second Spectrum tracking, just six of his 650 career jump shots have been blocked. He also shoots a sizzling 44.6 percent from beyond the arc, and those long-range numbers are almost inconceivable for someone his size. There’s a high chance Denver will be in some high-pressure situations in the playoffs, but if Jokic can find Porter open on the perimeter, he’ll make a catch-and-shoot three-pointer look easy.

All of this to say: Porter is a unique gem of a scorer who continues to ignite Denver’s offense, and his brilliance will blaze the Nuggets’ path to the finals.