TITLE: McDaniels Labels Nuggets’ Stars “Bad Defenders” as Wolves Knot Series
SLUG: mcdaniels-calls-nuggets-bad-defenders-wolves-nuggets-series-tied
CONTENT:
For the third time in four seasons the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves have collided in the NBA playoffs, and the animosity is only intensifying. After Minnesota claimed Game 2 in Denver on Monday to square the first-round matchup at 1-1, forward Jaden McDaniels took aim at several Nuggets during a post-game media session.
“Go at Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, all the bad defenders,” McDaniels said, later listing Tim Hardaway Jr., Cam Johnson and Aaron Gordon among those he views as defensive liabilities. Pressed to clarify, he repeated, “Yeah, they’re all bad defenders.”
Denver finished the regular season with the NBA’s top offensive rating but ranked 21st on defense. The club limited Minnesota to 105 points in Game 1 yet surrendered 119 in Game 2. Game 3 shifts to Minneapolis later this week.
Gobert Uses DPOY Snub as Fuel
Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, placed fourth in this season’s voting and was not among the three finalists. He responded Monday by holding Jokic to 1-for-8 shooting on his possessions, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater.
“Not the first time I’ve been disrespected — probably not the last,” Gobert said. “If you want to disrespect greatness … soon they’ll realize the impact.”
Edwards Plays Through Knee Soreness
Anthony Edwards logged 40 minutes, his heaviest workload in more than three months, and occasionally grabbed at his sore right knee. The All-Star guard still poured in 30 points but lamented an inefficient 10-for-25 shooting night and two missed free throws. “I’ll be better,” he remarked.
Hardaway’s Value Recognized in Denver
Veteran swingman Tim Hardaway Jr. signed a one-year, minimum-salary deal with Denver and has become a critical piece amid injuries to multiple starters. Executive vice president of player personnel Jon Wallace called Hardaway’s contribution “immense,” while head coach David Adelman added, “He is one of the main reasons why we survived this season. The guy won us games — flat out.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
