Michael Porter Jr. Takes Blame for Nuggets' Playoff Loss and Apologized to Teammates

As the Denver Nuggets try to figure out what went wrong in their Game 7 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals, Michael Porter Jr. is placing the blame on himself.

Porter told reporters he played a "terrible series" and apologized to his teammates for his performance.

"I'm a better player than I played in this series," the Nuggets forward said. "I'm a better shooter than I shot in this series. In the NBA, you've gotta be able to separate off-the-court matters with your on-the-court play. So I don't have any excuses. … I told my teammates sorry. I feel like this is on me."

Porter did acknowledge he was thinking about things happening off the court involving three of his younger brothers, but "that's still no excuse" for his play. Jontay Porter, received a lifetime ban from the NBA on April 17 for violating league rules related to gambling.

Jevon Porter was arrested in Missouri on April 26 on suspicion of DWI. Coban Porter was sentenced to six years in prison for killing a woman in a drunk-driving crash that occurred on Jan. 22, 2023.

Michael Porter Jr. was held to fewer than 10 points in five of the seven games against Minnesota. He shot just 37.1 percent from the field overall in the series, including going 4-of-21 from three-point range in the final four games.

The 25-year-old was terrific for the Nuggets in the first round. He averaged 22.8 points on 48.8 percent three-point shooting and 8.4 rebounds in five games against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Denver lost the final two games against the Timberwolves starting with a 115-70 loss in Game 6. That was followed up by blowing a 20-point third-quarter lead at home in Game 7 in a 98-90 defeat.

The loss ensured there will not be a repeat NBA champion for the sixth consecutive season. This is the longest streak in the league since 2003 to '08.