The Denver Nuggets are now one loss away from seeing their season come to an end, and some are calling on the team to make a big change before they take the court again.
The Nuggets blew a nine-point lead in the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Tuesday's Game 5, losing 112-105 to fall into a 3-2 series hole.
Though Nuggets star Nikola Jokic led the way with 44 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists, it was another struggling starter who got the most attention after the game. Michael Porter Jr. scored just 2 points on 1-for-7 shooting, missing all five of his attempts from behind the 3-point arc.
Porter came up short at the most critical times. With the Nuggets trailing 106-103 with a little more than a minute remaining in the fourth quarter, he missed a 3-pointer and the Thunder extended their lead to six points on the next possession after a 3-pointer from Shai Gilgous-Alexander. Porter also missed a 3-pointer on the ensuing possession.
Many fans called on the Nuggets to bench Porter, instead bringing veteran guard and former league MVP Russell Westbrook back into the starting lineup.
"I can’t believe I’m saying this but the Nuggets should put Russell Westbrook on the court ASAP," a fan shared in a post on X. "Michael Porter Jr does literally nothing"
"Why did they have Porter in and not Russ," another fan shared on X. "What a terrible decision"
The Nuggets get the chance to extend the series in Game 6 on Thursday.