TITLE: McDaniels Sparks Fifth Straight Timberwolves Win; Edwards, Shannon Questionable vs. Suns
SLUG: timberwolves-updates-mcdaniels-edwards-shannon-beringer-conley
CONTENT:
Forward Jaden McDaniels poured in 27 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves edged the Los Angeles Clippers 109-106 on Saturday, securing the club’s fifth consecutive victory.
The fourth-year wing is posting a career-best 16.0 points per game while knocking down 48.5 percent of his three-point attempts. McDaniels credited offseason workouts with Clippers star Kawhi Leonard for helping him slow the game down offensively. “Just not letting the defense speed you up, play at your pace at all times,” McDaniels said. “That’s something I took from him.”
Teammate Donte DiVincenzo praised the 24-year-old’s expanding role. “What he’s bringing to us is huge,” the guard said. “Sometimes we’re all looking for a spark and he delivers … He’s been doing everything we’ve asked him to do.”
Injury and Illness Updates
Anthony Edwards and rookie guard Terrence Shannon Jr. are both listed as questionable for Monday’s matchup with the Phoenix Suns because of illness. Neither player participated in the team’s morning shootaround.
Rookie Adjustments
First-round pick Joan Beringer, a 7-foot center from France, continues to navigate multiple transitions in his debut season. In addition to learning the NBA game, the 20-year-old is improving his English and taking driving lessons. Beringer has appeared in nine games off the bench to date.
Conley’s Late-Game Presence
Veteran guard Mike Conley has been on the floor during crunch time in four of Minnesota’s last five contests decided by five points or fewer in the final five minutes. Against the Clippers, Conley hit two free throws to tie the score in the final minute, then penetrated the lane to set up Naz Reid for the game-winning three-pointer.
Source: Hoops Rumors
