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The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Denver Nuggets 112-96 in Game 4, but a late layup by Jaden McDaniels ignited a brawl between the teams. The incident drew significant attention due to the players' heated reactions.
Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images
The Minnesota Timberwolves closed out a 112-96 win over the Denver Nuggets in Game 4, and the final seconds quickly became the focus of attention.
With the outcome already decided, players from both teams appeared to slow down, expecting the clock to run out without further action.
That changed when Jaden McDaniels drove for a late layup, sparking a brawl as Nuggets players reacted angrily to what they viewed as disrespectful.
Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post
The incident divided opinion on ESPNās Inside the NBA, where Charles Barkley made his stance clear while discussing the moment.
The former MVP and 11-time All-Star argued that such actions cross an unwritten line, particularly when a game has already been decided.
He said: āIām going to put a hit on him. Iām not going to lie, I have put a hit on guys. If weāre down 20, you donāt do it. If a team is up on me 20 points and a guy shoots a 3, Iām going to give $500 to somebody to knock the hell out of him. Iāve done that before, and Iām proud of it. If you shoot that ball, weāre going to get you!ā
The brawl was sparked by Jaden McDaniels' late layup, which Nuggets players perceived as disrespectful given the game's outcome.
The Timberwolves won Game 4 against the Nuggets with a score of 112-96.
Players from both teams initially slowed down, expecting the game to end, but reacted strongly to McDaniels' layup, leading to the brawl.
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Shaquille OāNeal offered a contrasting opinion, suggesting he would have approached the situation in the same way as McDaniels.
āIām doing a Vince Carter 360 runway windmill dunk. Of course, Iām laying that in,ā he began by saying when asked by Eddie Johnson Jr. what he would do in McDanielsā role.
He framed the decision as part of a broader psychological approach to postseason basketball.
āThis is playoffs. Iām trying to get in your head, Iām trying to embarrass you in front of your family, in front of your wife, in front of your girlfriend. Iām laying that ball up,ā Shaq concluded.
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