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The Minnesota Timberwolves continued their playoff surge with a 113-96 win over the Denver Nuggets, and Jaden McDaniels delivered a clear message about his defensive approach after the game.
“I didn’t want to do nothing different, really,” McDaniels said. “Being relentless, picking up full court every possession. Trying to make it as hard as possible for Murray and whoever I’m guarding, really. Just being their shadow.”
McDaniels emphasized effort over adjustments, repeating the same defensive standard regardless of opponent or situation. “They put their second group in and I was still picking up full court. So it just don’t really matter. Just continue to play how I play,” he said.
He added that his energy is rooted in constant competition. “Always competing no matter if I score zero points, if I’m making shots, if we’re getting blown out, it don’t matter who’s in.”
The Timberwolves’ transition game also stood out, something McDaniels compared to an open style of play. “It kind of feels like an AAU game,” he said. “A lot of freedom, a lot of passing, a lot of alleys, dunks, and stuff.”
Playmaking pressure was spread across multiple handlers, including Donte DiVincenzo and Ayo Dosunmu, with McDaniels highlighting the versatility. “Anyone can be in the pick and roll. Rudy sets good screens and it allows us to get downhill,” he said.
He also praised interior anchor Rudy Gobert for setting the tone defensively. “He’s not messing up on no defensive coverages. He’s holding us accountable and we’re holding him accountable,” McDaniels said.
Gobert’s presence, McDaniels added, remains central to Minnesota’s identity. “When you hear the name, four-time Defensive Player of the Year, it’s a great person to have on our team.”
McDaniels also acknowledged the Minnesota crowd support. “I love it,” he said. “Minnesota has always brought me in with open arms.”
On closing sequences, McDaniels described a simple approach. “Nothing really. Just finishing the game, just playing to the buzzer, staying aggressive.”
He also referenced attacking the paint efficiently after producing strong interior scoring stretches. “Just us playing aggressive. Not letting them cut us off one time,” he said.
Respect for teammates was also part of his breakdown, including praise for DiVincenzo. “He always does something. I always call him a daredevil,” McDaniels said.
Defensively, McDaniels said matchups against players like Jamal Murray are personal challenges. “I take any matchup I’m guarding personally. It’s just a pride thing,” he said.
As Minnesota looks ahead, McDaniels kept the focus on consistency. “If we stay disciplined, continue to listen to the coaching staff, I think we’ll be all right,” he said.
