Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr., center, gestures after scoring a basket as New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III, front left, and center Karlo Matkovic drops back on offense in the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, in Denver. Credit: AP/David Zalubowski

Porter’s tip-in bucket with 3:16 left to play gave him 39 points but he missed an open 3-pointer that would have given him his 40. When Malone took him out about the two-minute mark, the fans gave Porter a standing ovation. The Nuggets improved to 15-2 all-time when Porter scores 30 or more points.

The Denver Nuggets have feasted on teams on the second night of back-to-back games, and they will get a chance to add to that dominance when they host the Orlando Magic on Thursday night.