Nets’ Michael Porter Jr. gets a heartwarming welcome back in Denver
Michael Porter Jr. returned to a familiar place on Thursday as The Brooklyn Nets visited the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. It was his first return to the Mile High City since the Nuggets traded him to the Nets in the offseason.
Porter spent his first six years in the NBA in Denver, helping the team win the championship in 2023.
The fans made sure to give MPJ a warm welcome, giving him a warm welcome loud ovation when presented before tip-off.
Michael Porter Jr. received a standing ovation from fans at the Ball Arena during the Nets-Nuggets pregame introductions 👏
(via @DNVR_Nuggets)pic.twitter.com/l71OzeKobL
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 30, 2026
The Nuggets also released a video tribute to Porter, showcasing his memorable moments with the team. The sweet-shooting striker acknowledged the thoughtful gesture and waved to the crowd.
Nuggets release tribute video to Michael Porter Jr., showing parts of him during Denver’s 2023 NBA Championship run 🥹
(via @MileHighRachel) pic.twitter.com/KPEGHRVI8a
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 30, 2026
The fans also recognized Porter, who has been linked to trade rumorson social networks.
“Deserves a standing ovation” he said @mohitolevis.
“What a nice, nice welcome he got,” he added @augu_emeka.
“I never should have gone,” published @ajaibolt0.
“Fans respect former stars,” wrote @SelvaVerse.
The Nuggets believed in him, paid him, then realized their roster was too expensive, but still did some good things together. commented @Coffee_n_ball.
Denver traded the 27-year-old Porter and a 2032 first-round pick to Brooklyn for Cameron Johnson. Porter is playing at an All-Star level for the Nets, while Johnson has only played 28 games for the Nuggets due to injuries.
The Nets, however, lost to the Nuggets 107-103, spoiling MPJ’s comeback. Still, he was impressive, exploding for a career-high 38 points, including seven 3-pointers. He also had 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.
Denver improved to 32-16, while Brooklyn dropped to 12-34.
2026-01-30 05:03:00
