The Minnesota Timberwolves find themselves down 2-1 to the San Antonio Spurs. However, they have proven time and again that they can't be counted out. To come back in this series, the Timberwolves will need more scoring and shot creation outside of Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels is their best chance to fill this void.
McDaniels technically scored more in Game 3's loss (17 points) than in Game 1's win (16 points). Regardless, he shot 7-for-14 from the field in Game 1 and 5-for-22 (including 2-for-14 shooting inside the arc) in Game 3. Undoubtedly, the Wolves will need efficient production from McDaniels to maximize their chances of winning the series.
Throughout the playoffs, McDaniels has shown that he can provide high-level secondary creation and scoring (or even primary scoring at times). He will have to prove he can do it consistently against an elite Spurs defense, though.
While I'm a little bit more concerned about the offensive side of the ball, McDaniels' defense against the Spurs' elite backcourt is also vital. Thus far, he's done a great job, but he needs to stay out of foul trouble, which has been a problem this series.
The Wolves need McDaniels to provide consistent scoring production
The Wolves' best chance of finding consistent second-option-level production next to Ant is either McDaniels or Julius Randle. Nevertheless, given what we've seen from both players so far in the playoffs, it seems more realistic that McDaniels will fill this void. Furthermore, Randle is still drawing more attention from the Spurs defense, giving McDaniels an easier matchup to attack.
Now, it will be tough for McDaniels to provide a high level of production with Victor Wembanyama at the rim. This is especially the case as McDaniels' finishing is his bread and butter. It's worth noting that McDaniels has shot 40 percent within five feet of the hoop against the Spurs, a stark contrast to his 75.9 percent shooting from this range in the last series.
Can McDaniels find a way to score around the rim with Wemby, or will he have to depend on other areas of his game to score?
I wouldn't consider it a certainty that he will improve his scoring at the rim. Still, out of all the Wolves players who could start finishing at a high level despite the Wemby hurdle, McDaniels would be among the most likely.
It's worth noting that McDaniels often draws Devin Vassell or De'Aaron Fox as his matchup. Both players are solid defenders, but it's not like they should limit McDaniels to a severe degree. McDaniels has also proven he is a dependable mid-range scorer, which can help offset Wemby's rim protection.
Given what we've seen from McDaniels this season and his ability to raise his play in the postseason, I am fairly optimistic about the rest of his series outlook. However, it's still a legitimate question as to whether McDaniels can produce at the level the Timberwolves need him to, especially given Wemby's presence.
Plus, as noted earlier, McDaniels will have to continue to play stifling defense against the Spurs' guards while staying out of foul trouble.
Undoubtedly, McDaniels' two-way impact will be a key swing factor for Minnesota's chances of pulling off an upset and comeback.
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