Nuggets Respond to Jaden McDaniels on Eve of Game 3 vs Timberwolves

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David Adelman speaks on Jaden McDaniels comments about Denver Nuggets defense against Minnesota Timberwolves
Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Timberwolves are getting ready for Game 3 against the Denver Nuggets, which is scheduled to tip-off on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. CDT.

After falling behind big in the first half of game 2, the Wolves found the playoff gear they had been looking for. And just in time, too — surging back to beat the Nuggets 119-114, in Denver, to tie the series 1-1, before it head to Minnesota for game three and four.

The Timberwolves’ comeback on Monday blossomed out of better offense and smarter defense. And wouldn’t you know it… once the Wolves started passing the ball around, Denver’s defense parted like the Red Sea.

Suddenly, driving lanes were open all over the court, which Anthony Edwards (30 PTS, 7 REB, 6 AST) and Julius Randle (24 PTS, 9 REB, 6 AST) took full advantage of.

But only in the second half, when Jaden McDaniels joined the offensive party, did the Wolves really start to wrestle control of Game 2 away from the Nuggets.

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In the first half, Jaden was passive, taking just four shots. He missed his only three pointer, but converted both of his paint opportunities. In the second half, McDaniels got more aggressive taking 11 of his 15 total shots. The five shots he made all came from within 12 feet.

After the game, Jaden didn’t hold back when asked what he needs to do, in order to provide the type of pop offensively that Minnesota needs. They need him to attack the rim. Why? Because the Nuggets are “all bad defenders.

Well, on Wednesday — on the eve of Game 3 — the Denver Nuggets finally responded to McDaniels’ postgame comments from two nights ago. Let’s just say, everyone polled answered differently.

Denver Nuggets respond to Jaden McDaniels comments about their defense

Players like Christian Braun and Cam Johnson took a more reserved approach. Braun tried to shake off the questions completely. Johnson, however, talked a lot about how little he cares about McDaniels’ comments… but his appearance told a different story.

Braun: “It’s part of the rivalry, I think it’s part of the series. It’s part of what comes with it. I don’t think it caught anybody off-guard. He’s kinda speaking his truth and what he believes. We’ll allow them to do that. We kinda want to take care of our own things and make sure we handle our business on our side.”

Reporter: “Do you think it could in any way light a fire under you guys, defensively?”

Braun: “You shouldn’t need a fire lit under you in the playoffs. If you need a fire lit under you in the playoffs, if you need a fire lit under you in the playoffs, you’re probably in the wrong moment, in the wrong spot. So we aren’t worried about the comments, we’re not too worried about anything other than the Denver Nuggets.”

Christian Braun Interview (video above)

Reporter: “Will it be bulletin board material, at this point?”

Cam: “Sure, sure. But I’m not going to entertain those comments.”

Reporter: “The rarity of his comments, how he directly named guys, including yourself. How bothersome is that aspect of it?”

Cam: “The just been saying a lot — all season, all series. So let them talk. Let them get everything they want off their chest. I’m cool with it.”

Reporter: “Were you surprised it was that blatant?”

Cam: “I don’t even care. I don’t even care.”

Cam Johnson Interview (video above)

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Meanwhile, Denver’s head coach David Adelman, seemed to take the widely-accepted narrative, that the Nuggets can’t play defense, a little more personally — even referencing Denver’s defensive rating this series, which is 109. He also mentioned that “it should help {Jaden’s} social media.”

“Next.”

Reporter: “Thoughts on Jaden McDaniels’ comments about your team’s defense?”

Adelman: “I can’t wait for his podcast…I think the narrative is really interesting too. You hear so many things. We’ve gotten really lazy in society. What’s our defensive rating in this series through two games?”

Reporter: “109.”

Adelman: “109, how is that?”

Reporter: “6th best in the playoffs.”

Adelman: “6th-best in the playoffs? Next.

Reporter: “The rarity of his comments, where he named your guys by name. What did you think of that?”

Adelman: “Again, he’s a really good player. Everyone has a sounding board these days. It will help his social media.”

David Adelman Interview (video above)
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