Rockets' Kevin Porter Jr. Leans Upon Supporting Cast Following Latest Injury

Houston Rockets' Kevin Porter Jr.'s season has been derailed by injuries, which has led to him leaning on the supporting cast of coaches and teammates.

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets have listed Kevin Porter Jr. as "probable" for Saturday's contest against the Chicago Bulls. Porter missed the Rockets' previous game against the Indiana Pacers due to a thigh contusion. 

He sustained the injury against the Brooklyn Nets Tuesday night. Porter said he was coming off a pick-and-roll and received a knee to the thigh from Nic Claxton. He was able to finish the game, but Porter said the injury did not flair up until later. 

Porter described his emotions as "frustrating," given the injury occurred four games after he returned from a toe contusion on Mar. 1. But instead of sitting in sorrow, Porter leaned upon the support of coach Stephen Silas and teammates to stay in good spirits.

"Having a head coach who gives assurance to his players is something that is needed, not just in bad times but in good times too," Porter said. "Having that support from my coach definitely helped. 

"Being eager to get back out on the court, I was able to get some energy from my teammates. They kept telling me to keep working and keep getting treatment. It's the supporting cast that I have with my brothers."

Porter's absence against the Pacers marked the 21st game he missed since Jan. 11. His goal was to play the remainder of the season as he continued to work his way back.

There have been signs of rust since he made his initial return against the Memphis Grizzlies. Porter has since averaged 12.3 points on 37.2 percent shooting from the field, 38.9 percent from behind the arc, 6.8 assists and 5.8 rebounds.

Porter's best game since his return came during the Rockets' 32-point victory over the San Antonio Spurs. He recorded 19 points (7-11 FG, 3-5 3PT) and a season-high 13 assists. 

Porter was having a career year before injuries derailed his season. He was averaging 22.8 points on 49.2 percent shooting, 42.3 percent from deep, 6.4 assists and 5.9 rebounds in the eight games before his toe injury.

Porter's best performance came on Dec. 26 when he led the Rockets to a 15-point victory over the Bulls. He scored a season-best 36 points on 14-for-22 shooting, 6-for-12 3PT.

Porter said playing free with grace and joy were the three attributes that led to his performance in Chicago. 

And when looking back at the film, the three characteristics will take on a more profound meaning should Porter take the court of the Toyota Center for Houston's second and final meeting against the Bulls.

"I try to do that every game — consistency is my biggest thing," Porter said. "I tell myself to play free and joyful every game. There are some games where I play better. And then there are some games I'm more tense depending on the moment. But overall, I just try and do my best."

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