Michael Porter Jr. Delivers Sweet Revenge as Nets Dominate Injury-Riddled Nuggets, Stealing Spotlight from Gordon and Braun Returns

On January 4, 2026, at Barclays Center, the Brooklyn Nets handed the Denver Nuggets a decisive 127-115 defeat, snapping a three-game losing streak and improving to 11-22. The game was billed as a potential feel-good story for Denver with the long-awaited returns of starters Aaron Gordon (strained right hamstring, 19 games missed) and Christian Braun (left ankle sprain, lengthy absence since November). Yet, those milestones were completely overshadowed by Michael Porter Jr.‘s commanding performance against the team that traded him away just months earlier.

Porter, returning from a two-game illness absence, posted a game-high 27 points (8-17 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 9-9 FT), 11 rebounds, five assists, and one block in 32 minutes. His all-around dominance fueled a balanced Nets attack that saw six players score in double figures, including 22 from Noah Clowney, 17 each from Cam Thomas and Day’Ron Sharpe, and 13 apiece from rookies Egor Demin and Ziaire Williams. Brooklyn led for over 92% of the game, building a lead as large as 22 points and never truly letting Denver threaten in the second half.

For the Nuggets (now 23-12), Jamal Murray carried the load with 27 points and a career-high 16 assists, while Tim Hardaway Jr. chipped in 26 and Aaron Gordon added 20 in his return. But without three-time MVP Nikola Jokić (out at least four weeks with a hyperextended knee) and backup Jonas Valančiūnas (calf strain), Denver lacked the size and gravity to compete inside. The Nets outrebounded them 44-33 and shot a crisp 50.6% from the field.

The Revenge Narrative: MPJ’s Long-Awaited Statement Game

This matchup had been circled on calendars since the offseason blockbuster trade that sent Porter and a future first-round pick to Brooklyn in exchange for Cam Johnson—a move widely seen as Denver shedding salary to bolster depth. Porter, who spent his first six seasons in Denver and contributed to their 2023 championship, admitted postgame that the game held special significance.

“I was excited for that first matchup, really since I was traded,” Porter told reporters. “I think I mentioned in the summertime at some point that I was excited for that first matchup against them… just how that whole thing kind of went down.” His tone was measured, emphasizing friendships with former teammates, but his on-court play spoke volumes. Denver threw double-teams and heavy attention his way early, yet Porter adapted, drawing fouls (perfect from the line), facilitating, and rebounding aggressively.

In Brooklyn, Porter has flourished as the primary scoring option on a rebuilding squad. Entering the game averaging a career-high 25.8 points, he’s posted elite efficiency while expanding his game—creating off the dribble, attacking closeouts, and even flashing improved playmaking. Against Denver, he scored efficiently despite a modest 2-of-6 from three, relying on mid-range pull-ups, drives, and opportunistic cuts.

The revenge angle dominated headlines. Outlets like NBC Sports dubbed it “Michael Porter Jr.’s revenge game,” while social media buzzed with clips of his dunks and clutch plays. Porter’s performance flipped the script on a Nuggets team that prioritized financial flexibility over retaining his upside.

Overshadowed Returns: Gordon and Braun Step Back In, But to No Avail

The pregame focus for Denver centered on health. After a nightmare injury stretch that saw Jokić, Valančiūnas, and others sidelined, the returns of Gordon and Braun offered hope. Gordon, sidelined since November 21, played 21 minutes on a restriction, scoring 20 points efficiently. Braun, out since mid-November, logged 24 minutes in his first action back.

Coach David Adelman expressed relief at having bodies back: “We needed healthy players desperately.” Yet, both admitted to rust—Gordon and Braun combined for limited defensive impact, and Denver’s energy lagged. The Nets exploited mismatches relentlessly, pulling away in the third quarter as Brooklyn’s bench outscored Denver’s reserves.

Postgame, the returns barely registered amid Porter’s dominance. Analysts noted Gordon looked explosive in bursts (highlight dunks included), but minutes limits and the absence of Jokić’s playmaking hindered integration. Braun contributed quietly but couldn’t swing momentum. In a cruel twist, their comebacks became footnotes in a loss that highlighted Denver’s vulnerabilities without their superstar center.

Game Breakdown: How Brooklyn Controlled Wire-to-Wire

The Nets set the tone early, jumping to a 33-29 lead after one quarter behind balanced scoring and nine assists on 10 made field goals. Denver stayed close initially thanks to Hardaway and Gordon’s hot start (perfect shooting stretch), but Murray’s slow beginning (scoreless first 12 minutes) hurt.

Brooklyn exploded in the second, with Porter scoring nine points and the team building a 57-45 advantage late. A Murray buzzer-beater trimmed it to 59-52 at halftime, but the third quarter proved decisive. The Nets opened it up again, using a 12-0 run in the fourth—capped by Cam Thomas’ scoring burst—to push the lead to 112-90.

Defensively, Brooklyn disrupted Denver’s rhythm, forcing tough shots and capitalizing on transition. The Nuggets shot just 48.2% overall and 35.5% from three, while turning the ball over in key moments. Murray’s heroics (20 second-half points) kept it respectable, but the outcome felt inevitable.

Postgame Reactions: Classy Exchanges Amid Trade Reflections

Despite the lopsided result, emotions stayed positive. Porter shared hugs and smiles with former teammates postgame, emphasizing no hard feelings. “All smiles from Michael Porter Jr. and his former team,” one reporter noted.

Nuggets coach David Adelman praised Porter’s growth: “I thought we used him the right way [in Denver]. I’m sure he would disagree with me completely, which is okay. But we won a lot of games doing it that way. It’s cool to see him have more freedom.” Adelman also missed Porter’s personality off the court, calling him unafraid to be himself.

Nets coach Jordi Fernandez lauded Porter’s mindset: “If I’m in his shoes, I’ll be very excited to play this game… He’s going to go out and perform on both ends.”

Broader Implications: Trade Winners, Team Trajectories, and Porter’s Ascent

The trade’s early verdict? Brooklyn appears to have the upper hand. Porter, at 27, is delivering on pre-draft superstar hype delayed by back injuries, ranking among the league’s top offensive wings. His scoring volume and efficiency have made the Nets appointment viewing despite their record.

For Denver, shedding Porter’s contract enabled additions like Hardaway and others, aiding depth. They remain contenders when healthy, but Jokić’s absence exposes cracks. The loss dropped them in a tight Western Conference race.

Porter’s revenge game underscores his confidence. Long projected as a Durant-like scorer, he’s finally in an ecosystem unleashing that potential. All-Star buzz grows, and contenders may circle if Brooklyn pivots to full rebuild.

Gordon and Braun’s returns signal better days ahead for Denver, but rust and restrictions mean gradual ramp-up. Their health is crucial post-Jokić timeline.

Looking Forward: Schedules and Storylines

The Nets (11-22) host Orlando next, aiming to build momentum. Porter’s health—after the recent illness—remains key.

Denver heads to Philadelphia on a back-to-back, likely resting returnees. Surviving without Jokić tests their depth.

Ultimately, January 4, 2026, belonged to Michael Porter Jr.—a cathartic performance that turned a Nuggets milestone day into his personal triumph. In the NBA’s drama-filled world, revenge rarely tastes this sweet.