Coach Michael Malone wants Michael Porter Jr. to shoot early and often. So he did. Porter scored 30 points on 11-of-16 shooting in the Nuggets’ 112-90 victory over the offensively-challenged Orlando Magic Thursday night at Ball Arena.

Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr., center, gestures after scoring a basket as New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III, front left, and center Karlo Matkovic drops back on offense in the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, in Denver. Credit: AP/David Zalubowski

Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. has been floated in trade rumors prior to Thursday's deadline, but his head coach made it clear that he won't