Nuggets’ Porter Jr. Excited to Face Lillard & McCollum

The first-round series between the Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets has set the stage for breakout performers to emerge. Blazers newcomer Norman Powell is poised to make a splash and Jusuf Nurkic appears to have hit his stride at exactly the right time. For the Nuggets, talented forward Michael Porter Jr. possesses all the skills to make an impact in the postseason.

On Wednesday, NBC Sports Northwest highlighted Porter’s pre-series comments. Porter, who was on the bench for the last series between Denver and Portland, explained that the Nuggets would be wise to keep CJ McCollum near the top of the scouting report.

“I mean everybody talks about Damian Lillard, but CJ’s another player that they have that can be really good. It was a great series and I’m excited to be part of it this year.”

In regards to his own preparations, Porter explained that he is excited to perform in the spotlight when the pressure is on.

“At the end of the day, it’s still basketball,” Porter Jr. said. “Guys are going to be a lot more locked in. It’s going to be a lot more intense, but it’s still basketball. … I’m looking forward it, playing on the biggest stage you can possibly on. Every game and every possession matter and I can’t wait.”

In the regular season, Porter averaged 19 points per game on 54.2 percent shooting from the field. From distance, the 22-year-old forward connected on 44.5 percent of his 6.3 three-point attempts per game.

You can read all of Porter’s comments at NBC Sports Northwest.