The 6-Piece: MPJ Is Not Getting Traded

Denver plucks Pelicans’ feathers

NBA: New Orleans Pelicans at Denver Nuggets

Feb 3, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) reacts following his score in the first quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Ron Chenoy/Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The 6-Piece gives you six things to know from the Nuggets’ 82 games. Today’s is from the Nuggets’ win over the Pelicans on Monday,125-113.

1. Yes, Mike, No Mike Trade: Michael Porter Jr. had a season-high 36 points on 7-of-12 3-point shooting vs. the Pelicans. He was aggressive in looking for his shot and active on the glass with four offensive rebounds. After the game, Michael Malone told reporters that the Nuggets “aren’t trading Michael Porter Jr..” That’s not absolute, things can change, but indicates the Nuggets’ thinking.

2. Pike’s Zeke: Zeke Nnaji with 12 points in a starting role for the shorthanded Nuggets, along with 5 rebounds and five very well-earned fouls against Zion Williamson. Nnaji hit two corner threes and finished plays well. It was his best performance this season.

3. Ho-Hum, Triple Double: Joker with 27 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists on 9-of-13 shooting. Light work for 3-time against one of the weakest interior defenses in the league.

4. Hard Work Pays Off: Michael Malone made note of how hard his young guys work every day just to try and be ready for a chance like they got on Monday, and it was nice to hear him laud the guys who don’t get opportunities. It was a reminder that at his core, Malone is a development coach who loves that part of the job.

5. Strawther Shake: Julian Strawther continues to make offensive strides, adding a few more slithers and veers in his on-ball game. He had 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting, 5-of-6 from 2-point range in this one.

6. Up Next: The Nuggets face the Pelicans again in a Duplex Set game on Wednesday at Ball Arena at 7 p.m. MT.

Nuggets phone
YOUR TEAM. EVERY DAY… NOW IN A NEWSLETTER
I’m ready to get the best Nuggets and NBA coverage in my inbox, for free.
LISTEN TO LOCKED ON NUGGETS
   
   
WATCH FULL EPISODES