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.

Michael Porter Jr. led the charge with 39 efficient points, a fantastic all-around game that saw Porter tie his career-high in points. This was a game after Porter set a new season-high with 36 points on Monday night against these same Pelicans. Maybe he just really likes playing New Orleans?