Jaden McDaniels brands Denver Nuggets ‘bad defenders’ in play-off win
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels has branded the entire Denver Nuggets roster as “bad defenders” following his team’s 119-114 play-off victory in Game Two on Monday night.
The outspoken forward did not hold back in his post-match assessment after helping his side erase a 19-point deficit to level the first-round series.
Taking aim at the reigning Western Conference contenders, the 23-year-old specifically named multiple opposition stars as defensive liabilities.
“Go after Jokic, Jamal, all the bad defenders,” said McDaniels, who contributed 14 points and three assists.
“Tim Hardaway Jr, Cam Johnson, Aaron Gordon, the whole team, just go at them.”
Edwards inspires remarkable comeback
Anthony Edwards proved instrumental in the sensational turnaround by pouring in 30 points despite battling a sore knee.
The dynamic guard also collected 10 rebounds to ensure the match-up heads back to Minneapolis finely poised at one win apiece.
Emphasising their perceived physical advantage, the victorious locker room appeared brimming with confidence regarding their interior threat.
“They don’t got people that can defend the rim,” McDaniels added.
“We’re still more athletic than them and just got to be able to finish when we do.”
Late shooting woes cost Denver
The hosts were left to rue a disastrous fourth quarter where their primary scoring threats suddenly went cold.
Three-time Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic secured 24 points and 15 defensive rebounds, while Jamal Murray matched Edwards with a 30-point haul.
However, the formidable duo converted just two of their 12 combined field-goal attempts in the final period.
A crucial missed two-point effort from the Canadian point guard in the dying seconds ultimately sealed Denver’s fate.
“I thought we had the game in our hands, but we just didn’t make enough shots,” admitted Murray.
