{"id":470606,"date":"2025-12-13T07:15:42","date_gmt":"2025-12-13T07:15:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/470606\/"},"modified":"2025-12-13T07:15:42","modified_gmt":"2025-12-13T07:15:42","slug":"mavericks-119nets-111-porter-jr-s-34-points-not-enough","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/470606\/","title":{"rendered":"Mavericks 119,Nets 111: Porter Jr.\u2019s 34 Points Not Enough"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Winning matters, but so does learning how not to lose.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">For a young Nets team still figuring out how to close games, Friday\u2019s 119-111 loss to the Dallas Mavericks felt familiar. The flashes, however, continue to feel real.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">\u201cI liked their fight all the way through,\u201d said Jordi Fernandez. \u201cI think the team competed well.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Even in a loss, Brooklyn continues to play with a level of energy and competitiveness that separates them from most teams buried in the league\u2019s bottom tier.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">They didn\u2019t lack fight, they just lacked polish.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The game slipped away in moments where their inexperience showed, both physically and mentally, but it\u2019s not enough to take away the sense that something exciting is taking shape.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Twenty-four games into the season, Michael Porter Jr. has already exceeded expectations, leading both teams with 34 points.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Once the No. 1 prospect in the country, Porter spent his Denver years as a spacing weapon, asked to punish defenses with his outside shooting as a third option. Injuries reshaped his trajectory, but in Brooklyn, he\u2019s emerged as a primary scorer who also leans on craft and timing to generate offense.<\/p>\n<p>Porter Continues To Step Forward<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">When the Nets traded for Porter, the expectation was simple: provide offense for a roster short on proven, consistent scorers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">He\u2019s already exceeded expectations. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/stats\/player\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Porter currently ranks among the league\u2019s top 15 scorers<\/a> (25.8) , and among that list, only Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic average more rebounds than him (7.6).<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">It wasn\u2019t the kind of shot-chucking often seen from veterans on rebuilding teams. the 27-year-old picked his spots and scored from all three levels which kept the defense honest, shooting 60% from the field and 60% from three.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Late in the game, Porter felt the weight of responsibility after a miscommunication from Noah Clowney led to a late-game turnover.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">On the next possession he took matters into his own hands, forcing a tough shot and giving the ball back before turning it over less than a minute later.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">\u201cWe kept looking at Mike instead of using him, and others taking the shot,\u201d Fernandez said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Still, Porter has consistently shown a willingness to trust teammates rather than hunt numbers, and that should be more effective once Brooklyn\u2019s young core becomes more reliable.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">As Fernandez stated, the game came down to being out-rebounded in the fourth quarter, when Dallas finished with 10 second-chance points.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">\u201cThat\u2019s how you lose games,\u201d Fernandez stated.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The Nets also finished with 17 turnovers, compared to 14 for Dallas and passing their season average of 14.8 turnovers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Turning promising possessions into empty ones was the difference in a close game<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Even while shooting better from three and the free-throw line and staying close in overall field-goal percentage, Brooklyn saw its margin for error disappear with every turnover.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Rookie point guard Egor Demin was the only starter who didn\u2019t reach double figures, finishing with one of his toughest outings of the season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">He forced a few difficult attempts in traffic, appearing to search for contact over clean looks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Still, there was some progress beneath the struggles. Early in the year, Demin avoided the paint altogether. Now he\u2019s attacking it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Noah Clowney continued to show clearly physical and offensive development, scoring 13 points and finishing through contact multiple times.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">But several decision-making lapses led to three turnovers, and his confidence wavered late as the mistakes built up.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Neither Clowney nor Demin is over 21 years old, and both have shown enough promise to earn patience through nights like this.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">After flashing signs of momentum with a 23-point performance against Utah last week, Ziaire Williams was held to three points in 25 minutes, shooting 25 percent from the field.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Fernandez also seemed to send off a wake-up call to rookie Drake Powell, who played just three minutes. When asked him Powell\u2019s lack of minutes were due to Nolan Traore taking them, he promptly confirmed it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">\u201cThese young guys need to understand how important every minute you play is,\u201d Fernandez said. \u201cIf the intentions are there, I\u2019m completely fine. But if the mistakes are from easing into the game, that\u2019s not how we do it here.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">And for Demin, a warning.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">\u201cHe\u2019s gotta be better, otherwise the minutes are gonna go down, and somebody else will take advantage of them.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>A steady presence off the bench<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Danny Wolf once again made the most of his opportunity.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Wolf led Brooklyn\u2019s bench with 17 points and seven rebounds, shooting 60 percent from the floor and also playing reliable defense. His impact didn\u2019t go unnoticed, earning praise throughout the broadcast.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">At this stage of the season, Wolf is making a strong case as one of the draft\u2019s better value selections. The No. 27 overall pick has scored at least 15 points in three of his last six games and is averaging 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">For a Nets team auditioning its rookies, Wolf continues to separate himself.<\/p>\n<p>This was Porter Jr.\u2019s fourth consecutive game with at least 30 points, the longest streak of his career.Nic Claxton still sits at No.5 on the Nets\u2019 all-time blocks list, but is just 33 blocks away from sliding into Mike Gminski\u2019s No.4 slot<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Sunday, the Nets will return to Barclays Center to face the Milwaukee Bucks at 6:00 p.m. ET.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The two team\u2019s last played on November 29, when Brooklyn fell to Milwaukee 116-99. Will we hear more on Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors? The day before the unofficial opening of trade season? Bet on it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Milwaukee has gotten off to a slow start this season, currently sitting at 9-12, but won their most recent game against the Boston Celtics 116-101.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Winning matters, but so does learning how not to lose. For a young Nets team still figuring out&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":470607,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3767],"tags":[7,670,247,3803,6,671,51809],"class_list":{"0":"post-470606","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-brooklyn-nets","8":"tag-basketball","9":"tag-brooklyn","10":"tag-brooklyn-nets","11":"tag-brooklynnets","12":"tag-nba","13":"tag-nets","14":"tag-nets-scores"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nba\/115711031857840039","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/470606","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=470606"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/470606\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/470607"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=470606"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=470606"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=470606"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}