Michael Porter Jr.

No amount of preparation could allow Denver to completely disregard the Most Valuable Player-winning, 6-foot-11 hole in its lineup, but with nearly 20 shot attempts available, Michael Porter Jr.’s rise to the occasion appeared inevitable. As fate would ultimately have it, such a statement became the worst possible news for Kristaps Porzingis. Uninterested in hearing any stories about the Boston Celtics’ recently-returning center working back to full strength, Porter prepares to test his muscle, first by using the threat of his silky-smooth shot to unlock a driving lane. With two different white jerseys officially in his rearview, Porter elevates with eyes alight, powering through Boston’s 7-foot-3 rim protector for a contact facial. 2024’s champion commanded the last laugh over 2023’s victor, with Boston using a second-half push to secure a win; the Denver Nuggets’ swingman remained productive nevertheless, collecting 15 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and two 3-pointers on January 7, 2025.