Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels delivered a commanding two-way performance Thursday night, powering Minnesota to a first-round series victory over Denver with a 115-106 Game 6 win. The 25-year-old limited Jamal Murray to 12 points on 4-for-17 shooting while posting a game-high 32 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block across 45 minutes.
With Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles), Anthony Edwards (knee), Ayo Dosunmu (calf) and Kyle Anderson (illness) sidelined, Minnesota leaned on several reserves. Terrence Shannon Jr. supplied 24 points, six rebounds and two steals; Rudy Gobert added 10 points, 13 boards, eight assists and two blocks; and Naz Reid contributed 17 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Still, McDaniels served as the series’ focal point, helping the Wolves eliminate the Nuggets for the second time in three seasons.
“He talked all series, and he backed it up all series,” head coach Chris Finch said postgame. “That’s legitimate tough.”
Wolves Fueled by Denver’s Late-Season Maneuvers
Finch revealed that Minnesota took motivation from Denver’s regular-season finale, when the Nuggets limited Nikola Jokić to 18 minutes and rested multiple starters—moves interpreted in the Wolves’ locker room as an attempt to avoid them in the opening round. Denver’s bench won that game anyway, setting up the divisional matchup the Timberwolves ultimately claimed.
Thunder’s Ajay Mitchell Embraces Aggressive Role
Ajay Mitchell did not realize he had attempted 20 shots in his Game 3 start for Oklahoma City until checking the box score afterward, he told reporters. Filling in for injured Jalen Williams, the rookie guard attacked throughout the victory. “Ajay is one of the toughest dudes in the league,” star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said. “He’s never afraid of the moment … you know what you’re getting from him every time he steps on the floor.”
Lillard Sees Shooting as Blazers’ Off-Season Emphasis
After Portland reached the playoffs, veteran guard Damian Lillard identified outside shooting as the franchise’s primary need heading into next season. Lillard noted that drives by himself and forward Deni Avdija consistently generate open looks the roster must convert at a higher clip. “We just need to be a better shooting team,” Lillard said, adding that defensive attention he draws will continue to create perimeter opportunities.
The three storylines underscore differing priorities across the Northwest Division: Minnesota’s defensive edge, Oklahoma City’s emerging depth, and Portland’s quest for perimeter accuracy.
Source: Hoops Rumors
