
No. 2 scorer Stojakovic returns to loaded Illinois
Andrej Stojakovic is back at Illinois for his senior year, boosting their title hopes!
Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid discuss the Minnesota Timberwolves' journey to the NBA Playoffs, highlighting their resilience and growth. They reflect on past challenges and the significance of their current playoff run against the Denver Nuggets.
Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid unveil what makes Timberwolves NBA Playoffs run special originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Five appearances in the NBA Playoffs as a trio. Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Naz Reid have spent a little under half a decade with the Minnesota Timberwolves system now. These three have gone on to do something special. They celebrated after reaching two Western Conference Finals and shared heartbreak after making it so close to the NBA Finals. Against the Denver Nuggets, it will be a big mark of growth for the Timberwolves and their starting forward and big man know it.
Falling short has been the story of the Timberwolves' regular season. They failed to secure an additional victory by the end to join the 50-win club and had quite the heartbreak after Anthony Edwards went down with a concerning injury. Now, it will be time for the NBA Playoffs whether they like it or not. While they do get their star player back, a lot of questions are still popping up about this squad in the postseason.
McDaniels eased the minds of Timberwolves fans by reminding them of how resilient the group is. Reid, Edwards, and him have faced adversity in the past already. He reminded them of how much growth there is to be proud of and how that's special entering the NBA Playoffs, via
The Timberwolves struggled during the regular season, falling short of 50 wins and dealing with Anthony Edwards' injury.
McDaniels and Reid have been key players in the Timberwolves' journey, showcasing resilience and growth through past adversities.
The matchup against the Nuggets marks a crucial opportunity for the Timberwolves to demonstrate their growth and compete at a higher level in the playoffs.

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Final spots in the NBA Playoffs will be decided on April 17, 2026.

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"It’s pretty cool. It’s like going to high school freshman year with your friends and just sticking together the whole way, building each year. Each year we’ve been together, we’ve gotten better and went further than we have the previous season," McDaniels said.
A lot has changed in the NBA Playoffs since these three shared their first appearance. They are likely one of the only constants which remained. Reid cherishes this and posits that the hardships they went through should be enough to dispel doubts against the Nuggets.
"There are obstacles we all have had to go against in our careers. It worked out in a better way. We were able to help each other through that and prove we are who we are and that we’ve been that way all along. I think all the questions and stuff are pretty much out the window now," the Timberwolves big man declared.
Nikola Jokic has his own trio in the Nuggets system. But, the Timberwolves always prove themselves yearly. This 2026 NBA Playoffs run will be no different.