MPJ reaches new playmaking milestone with consecutive 5-assist performances

Joseph Kallan

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MPJ reaches new playmaking milestone with consecutive 5-assist performances image

Rafael Suanes | 2025 Nov 16

The Brooklyn Nets haven’t had much to look forward to during the 2025-26 regular season. They’ve recorded just two wins in their first 13 games, their rookies aren’t developing as quickly as the front office hoped, and Cam Thomas is out for the next month due to injury.

However, there is one player on the roster who’s enjoying his time in Brooklyn — and he’s setting career-highs in the process: Michael Porter Jr. The former NBA champion arguably had his best game of the season on Sunday night against the Washington Wizards, putting up 34 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in a 129-106 win.

In Brooklyn’s previous game against the Orlando Magic, Porter Jr. Tallied 24 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists — marking the first time in his career he’s recorded five or more assists in back-to-back games.

 

Porter Jr. Has long carried the reputation of being reluctant to pass, even earning the nickname Michael “Never Swings the Rock” Porter Jr. Prior to being traded, the 27-year-old had never averaged more than 2.1 assists in a single season. His role with the Denver Nuggets revolved around catch-and-shoot opportunities, and he was rarely asked to shoulder playmaking duties.

But in Brooklyn — even in just a handful of games — his desire to grow in areas he couldn’t explore in Denver is becoming clear. On a young Nets roster, he’s been given the freedom to bring the ball up the floor consistently and operate as the team’s unquestioned No. 1 scoring option.

Brooklyn’s roster construction hasn’t exactly inspired confidence to start the season. Cam Thomas, originally expected to be the team’s primary ball-handler, will miss the next four weeks while recovering from a left hamstring injury. Igor Demin, the team’s eighth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has struggled to find his offensive rhythm, averaging just seven points and 3.3 assists on subpar 37.3% shooting.

This situation could easily be viewed as a recipe for disaster, but instead, it’s become an opportunity for Porter Jr. To fully lean into his role and continue growing individually. And if his momentum continues, he might just drag the Nets into a much-needed turnaround.

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Staff Writer