The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Denver Nuggets 110-98 in Game 6, advancing to face the San Antonio Spurs. Jaden McDaniels led the Timberwolves with 32 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing his skills despite the absence of key players.
Key points
Timberwolves won Game 6 against the Nuggets 110-98
Jaden McDaniels scored 32 points and had 10 rebounds
Timberwolves advance to face the Spurs in the next round
McDaniels limited Jamal Murray to 4-for-17 shooting
Team missing key players due to injuries
Minnesota TimberwolvesDenver NuggetsSan Antonio SpursJaden McDaniels
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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) â The Minnesota Timberwolves had plenty of lulls during the regular season, seemingly coasting at times while struggling to recapture the form that fueled them to consecutive Western Conference finals appearances over the last two years.
The postseason switch sure got flipped against the rival Denver Nuggets, as the players promised all along. The energy and urgency was never greater than in the series-clinching Game 6 victory on Thursday, when the determined Timberwolves shook off the absence of their three best guards and beat the Nuggets 110-98.
âStill part of our growth,â coach Chris Finch said. âWeâve been really good with the high moments. Our consistency sometimes throughout the season isnât always there, which we donât really like about ourselves, but we know we have it in ourselves to meet these moments.â
Jaden McDaniels clearly does.
Nobody on the Timberwolves embodies the mercurial nature of this close-knit but often-moody team than McDaniels, the sixth-year forward who made a name for himself in this series.
Tirelessly chasing All-Star guard Jamal Murray around screens and everywhere he tried to go along the perimeter, limiting him to 4-for-17 shooting in Game 6, McDaniels did even more on the offensive end.
With a big chunk of the team's shot creation missing due to injuries to Anthony Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo and Ayo Dosunmu, McDaniels went 13 for 25 from the floor for 32 points with 10 rebounds.
âWhat I was the most proud about him was just his emotional control, being able to stay poised, not overreact to adversity, calls or missed shots, or mistakes,â teammate said. "He stayed present, and he stepped up big time when we needed him the most, so Iâm really, really proud of him.â
McDaniels tossed even more spice into this early in the series with his blanket â â jab at the opponent, and he made no secret of the motivation he gets from seeing âDenverâ or âNuggetsâ sewed on the other team's jersey.
âThe only thing I said to him, after he had made his comments, was, âNow itâs time to back it up,ââ Finch said. âAnd talking doesnât matter. You've got to go do it. I knew he was going to put the effort in, so he was ready for it, and he owned it, and he responded.â
McDaniels later irked Nuggets star by taking an uncontested layup in the closing seconds of Minnesota's blowout win in Game 4, sparking a brief shoving match.
McDaniels had his worst game of the series in the loss in Game 5 on Monday, when he was booed often by the Denver crowd, but he responded on his home court with one of the best games of his career.
With the Timberwolves trying to put away the game, McDaniels delivered the dagger shot â swishing his signature mid-range pull-up to give them a seven-point lead with 1:06 to play. Then he intercepted a harried pass by Jokic to get the ball back and start a parade to the line.
Jokic gave McDaniels a hug after the final horn, a sign of respect from the three-time NBA MVP despite the irritation he caused all series long.
âIâm just happy itâs over, happy we were able to come out on top,â McDaniels said. âStuff was said. Iâm just happy we were all able to prove our point, get the win and move on to the next round.â
and the have been waiting. They'll host Game 1 on Monday.
âI figured the real winner of this series was going to be , because both these teams were going to take a lot of pieces out of each other, and did,â Finch said. âSo Iâm not sure what we have left standing there before we go down there.â
Even if they're short-handed and overmatched, the Timberwolves are a good bet to put up a strong fight.
âYou have to believe that you can win, no matter what,â Gobert said. "Obviously weâre missing some pretty important players, right? But no matter whoâs out there, we believe in our defense. We believe in trusting one another. Anythingâs possible.â
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AP NBA:
Q&A
How did the Timberwolves defeat the Nuggets in Game 6?
The Timberwolves won 110-98, with Jaden McDaniels scoring 32 points and dominating defensively against Jamal Murray.
What impact did Jaden McDaniels have on the Timberwolves' playoff performance?
McDaniels was crucial, scoring 32 points and providing strong defense, especially in the absence of injured teammates.
Who will the Timberwolves face in the next round of the playoffs?
The Timberwolves will face the San Antonio Spurs in the next round, with Game 1 scheduled for Monday.
What was the significance of McDaniels' performance against the Nuggets?
McDaniels' performance was significant as it demonstrated his ability to step up in crucial moments and lead the team despite injuries to key players.
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