Jokic Speaks Up to Defend Porter Jr.: Was the Turnover in Game 2 the Key Point of the Nuggets’ Failure?

The NBA playoffs are often decided by the smallest details—a single turnover, a missed defensive rotation, or an untimely injury. In the Denver Nuggets’ 105-102 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 2, that moment came with just over a minute left in regulation. Michael Porter Jr., usually a reliable forward and offensive contributor, made a crucial mistake that shifted the balance of power in the first-round series. While fans were quick to point fingers, Nikola Jokić defended his teammate, reinforcing the unity and leadership that has made him a two-time MVP and a respected locker room presence.

As the Nuggets now prepare to play two straight games in Los Angeles, this moment—and how the team responds to it—could very well define the trajectory of their 2025 postseason run.

The Turnover That Changed Everything

With just under 90 seconds remaining and the score tied at 100, Michael Porter Jr. pulled down a crucial defensive rebound off a rare Kawhi Leonard miss. It looked like Denver might seize the opportunity to take control late in the game. But what followed was a nightmare for Porter Jr. and Nuggets fans alike.

Attempting an outlet pass to spark transition offense, the ball slipped from Porter Jr.’s hands, falling only a few feet in front of him. Clippers guard Kris Dunn, hustling as always, dove for the ball and collided with Porter Jr., who landed hard on his shoulder and stayed down in visible pain. In the chaos, the Clippers quickly reset their offense and found Norman Powell open at the arc. Powell drained the go-ahead three-pointer to make it 103-100—a shot that ultimately tilted the game and series momentum in favor of Los Angeles.

It was a moment of heartbreak for Porter Jr., who later described it as a “stupid play,” taking full accountability in the post-game media scrum. “I let my team down,” he admitted. “That was a bonehead mistake in a crucial moment. It won’t happen again.”

But within minutes, Nikola Jokić was at the podium defending his teammate, reminding everyone that playoff basketball is a collective battle, not a solo performance.

Nikola Jokić’s Leadership Shines in the Face of Adversity

Jokić, who notched another triple-double with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, was visibly disappointed by the loss—but not in his teammates. When asked about Porter Jr.’s turnover, the Serbian center refused to isolate the blame on one person. Instead, he turned the spotlight on himself and the rest of the squad.

“I mean, we can all say that,” Jokić explained. “CB [Christian Braun] can blame himself for missing. I can blame myself for a turnover. We can all blame ourselves. I don’t know if it’s a good thing or a bad thing, but he [MPJ] probably cares, and that’s a good thing.”

In that brief but powerful moment, Jokić reminded the basketball world why he’s more than just a stats machine—he’s the emotional and mental anchor of this Denver team. Leadership in the NBA isn’t just about scoring in crunch time or protecting the paint; it’s about creating a culture of accountability without shame, and resilience without finger-pointing.

Michael Porter Jr.: Talented But Still Learning Under the Bright Lights

Michael Porter Jr. has been a cornerstone for Denver’s offense, particularly in the absence of consistent production from the bench. With his elite shooting stroke and improving defensive presence, he was expected to play a significant role in this playoff series. However, his Game 2 performance will now be remembered for a single miscue—one that may not have happened if he had simply held onto the ball or opted for a safer outlet.

Porter Jr.’s career has been defined by both immense potential and injury-related setbacks. While he’s made strides in his development, the intensity and pressure of the postseason often expose inexperience. The good news for Denver fans is that he’s still young, still learning, and—perhaps most importantly—willing to accept responsibility and grow.

“It sucks that it happened,” Porter Jr. told reporters. “But I’m grateful for the support from my teammates, especially Nikola. That means more than I can say.”

His ability to bounce back from this moment could be crucial—not just for this series, but for his long-term career trajectory with the Nuggets.

A Deeper Look at Game 2: Turnovers, Transition, and Momentum

While Porter Jr.’s turnover was the most glaring mistake, it was far from the only reason Denver lost Game 2. The Nuggets committed 15 turnovers as a team, with Nikola Jokić himself responsible for seven—a highly uncharacteristic number for the usually cerebral big man. Poor communication, rushed passes, and lapses in focus plagued the team in the second half.

The Clippers capitalized on these errors, outscoring Denver 23-12 in transition and forcing multiple mismatches on fast breaks. Tyronn Lue’s squad showed the kind of urgency that comes with being down 1-0 in a series, and Kawhi Leonard’s leadership was instrumental. Leonard dropped 39 points on 19 shots, proving once again that he remains one of the most efficient playoff performers in the league.

Denver had chances, including a look to tie the game in the final seconds, but it never felt like they were in control during the fourth quarter. The game was up for grabs—and Porter Jr.’s mistake just happened to be the most decisive domino.

Can the Nuggets Recover in Time?

Heading into Game 3, the biggest question facing Denver is mental resilience. Can they move past this loss and find their rhythm on the road? With the series now tied 1-1 and two straight games in Los Angeles, the pressure is very real.

Porter Jr. will need to regroup both physically and emotionally. Reports indicate his shoulder is sore but not seriously injured. Still, his confidence could be shaken—and in a hostile Staples Center atmosphere, his response will be under the microscope.

Denver’s coaching staff also faces critical decisions. Should Porter Jr. continue to play in high-leverage moments, or should rotations be adjusted to minimize late-game risk? And how can the team reduce Jokić’s turnover load while still allowing him to orchestrate the offense?

The Importance of Trust and Team Culture

If there’s a silver lining in this drama, it’s that Denver’s culture appears intact. Jokić’s public defense of Porter Jr. sent a message: We win together, we lose together. That sort of unity is rare in a league often obsessed with assigning blame.

Many past champions have had moments like this—costly mistakes that became turning points. The difference lies in how teams respond. Do they fracture under pressure, or rally and recommit?

For the Nuggets, Game 3 isn’t just another playoff game. It’s a referendum on their identity, leadership, and belief in one another. And in that sense, Nikola Jokić’s comments may have already laid the foundation for redemption.

Conclusion: One Turnover, Many Lessons

Basketball is a game of moments, and Michael Porter Jr.’s turnover in Game 2 will be remembered—at least for now—as the defining one. But in the bigger picture, it might become the moment that forged something stronger within the Nuggets locker room. With Nikola Jokić standing tall and showing unwavering support, Denver has a chance to turn this setback into motivation.

Whether they do or not will depend not just on how they shoot or defend in Game 3—but on how they trust each other, grow from adversity, and lean into the championship habits they’ve spent years building.

In the end, one turnover won’t define Porter Jr.’s career, but how he—and the team—responds could define their season.